Good to sound alarm on terror attacks, but guard against self-fulfilling prophecies

I acknowledge why the Home Affairs Minister sounded a note of caution in the report “Attack on Singapore a matter of when, not if, says Shanmugam” (March 24). However, Singapore is not Britain, France or Brussels.

Britain’s Muslim population comprises immigrants from Asia and Middle East, whose cultures contradict its own. Singapore has an indigenous Muslim population who have deep roots here and have been practising their culture with ease. France, the most secular of countries, allows the mocking of religions. Singapore’s Government, though secular, has thoughtful legislators who are against this.

The Brussels incident was a time bomb waiting to detonate. There were already areas with a reputation for radicalism, but the government ignored this. “A matter of when, not if” could best describe the conditions there.

In Singapore, the Government is proactive and either detains or deports anyone suspected of having a propensity for terrorism. I am sure the Home Affairs Ministry will continue to receive feedback from others if any in the community were to plan harm to the country.

We know where the minister is coming from in sounding the alarm. There is also a need to ensure that it does not become a self-fulfilling prophecy.