The Star Online
26 Apr 2008
SEAH CHIANG NEE
WHEN Singapore’s terrorist leader Mas Selamat Kastari escaped from high-security detention two months ago, he could not possibly have foreseen the political repercussion that he was leaving behind.
It has given Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong his worst political headache since he took office nearly four years ago.
The saga of the Jemaah Islamiah leader’s escape from the Whitley Detention Centre has moved beyond security concerns and the negative international image.
It has raised doubts on government accountability in Singapore and revisited the unpopular issue of high Cabinet pay by raising questions like:
> How damaging to the nation must a government mistake be before a Cabinet minister – who is paid more than the US president – is held responsible?
> Must punishment, however serious the mistake, be applicable only to the civil servants or the foot soldiers, but not to the political leader who is responsible for overall planning?
This dilemma began with a government-appointed committee report revealing a list of incredible bungles and neglect by the Home Affairs Ministry, which is in overall charge of the centre.
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