Singapore tightens security after Osama killing
By Sandra Davie – May 3, 2011

FOLLOWING the killing of Osama bin Laden on May 1, security has been tightened at Singapore's borders and checkpoints, said Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security.

On Tuesday, Mr Wong - who spoke on the issue of terrorist threats at a press conference after a walkabout in his Bishan-Toa Payoh constituency - said while the Government continues to deal with the issues such as affordable housing and jobs for Singaporeans, it will always keep an eye on security.

He stressed that there was no room for complacency and said the death of Osama does not end terrorism.

'In fact, it may excite some terrorist groups into action,' he said.

He said Singaporeans - in good times - take security for granted as everything is calm and stable. In bad times, the concern is about jobs and the next meal.

'So the safety and security is pushed back, until something happens in the neighbourhood, in the region. And that jerks them a little.'

He said that while we don't want to live in a 'climate of fear', at the same time Singaporeans must be conscious of the threats we face.

His remarks echoed those of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday, who said while the death of Osama bin Laden has made the world a bit safer, Singaporeans must continue to be vigilant, given that Al-Qaeda and its franchises were still active globally and in the region.