It has been almost a week since news of Mas Selamat's escape from the Whitley Detention Centre engulfed the little island of Singapore.
For a start, who would have remembered or have known who Mas Selamat was, if it wasn't for this nerve-breaking news that has affected the lives of many in Singapore. Well, speaking for myself, I did not even know that there is a detention centre along Whitley Road (I only know there is a Whitley Neighbourhood Police Post) even though I have grown up in this area for the past 20 odd years, passing by Whitley Road almost everyday, whether for school or for work. (Started to re-consider whether to send Regine to SCGPS now even though Dad has suggested previously. :p)
Anyways, started to ponder what will happen if Mas Selamat remains a fugitive, and continue to play hide-and-seek game with the Singapore government?
Will his escape eventually lead to economic unstability and unrest in Singapore? Or even worse, will there be another terrorist attack anywhere, anytime in any part of the world which will lead to another economic turmoil in Asia? Well, one thing for sure, Singaporeans have now stopped taking for granted that Singapore is a safe and peaceful country to live in (If Mum and Dad were still around, they would have slapped their strict curfew on me, worried that MS will harm their daughter in any way).
The manhunt for this JI terrorist has indeed affected many Singaporeans. Colleagues have been talking about him, day in day out, as if he was our long lost friend who may just pop into our office unexpectedly. Jams at the Woodlands checkpoint extended till the BKE in the evenings and affected those living in the North, including myself.
News and updates of Mas Selamat seem to relate more to the Singaporeans, as compared to news on Malaysia elections, the U.S elections, or even the ever- increasing food and petrol prices in Singapore.
My kudos to Police officers, gurkha and even the armed forces who have been involved in the man-hunting exercise. They have been spending much time and effort, combing various secluded areas in Singapore, including the Choa Chu Kang cemetery and the coastal areas along Lim Chu Kang. Kudos to those who have to sacrifice time for their family and even have to make alternative childcare arrangements so that they can help arrest the much WANTED man!!
But why is the REWARD pegged at only SGD$1,000 for such a DANGEROUS man?
In fact, many Singaporeans are already playing their part to help in this massive hunt for the terrorist. Was about to leave in-law's condo in Woodlands when I noticed Mas Selamat's picture staring at me. Wow, amazing! Guess the Management Committee must be super 'on' and efficient as I could not find such notices at my HDB block noticeboard when I reached home (Excuse me, Chairmen and Chair ladies of Resident Committees, time to wake up and contribute as well!!)
Just hope that Mas Selamat will be captured soon so that we can return to our normal lifestyle. And for whoever has spotted a suspicious man, in any way looks like Mas Selamat (in whatever disguise you can find above), DO NOT PANIC, just walk away and call 999!!!
Regine drooling over her Elmo cake
Breakfast at Pavilion House (Chinese Restaurant)
Fun time at the children's pool (only knee level as Gine did not like the water fountain and slides)
