S'pore increased its security posture amid rising tensions from Iran-Israel conflict: Shanmugam
Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam speaking on the sidelines of a community event in Nee Soon on June 28. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
SINGAPORE – Singapore has increased its security posture amid rising tensions from the Iran-Israel conflict, said Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a community event in Nee Soon on June 28, he said: 'There is a ceasefire, but we don't know exactly what will happen after this.'
People in this region, other regions, or extremist organisations might want to make a point against Israeli, American or other Western assets, he said, adding that there could be attacks from the far right on Muslim assets.
If Singapore is ever attacked, it will make international headlines, he said.
There is a possibility of attacks on both sides, he said, either by the far right attacking Muslims, or representatives of Muslim countries including Iran, and attacks on Western assets – American, European, or Israeli.
'So we have increased our security posture, working off different scenarios, but you know, you can never be absolutely sure,' he added.
When asked by the media if there have been more suspicious activities or extreme activities since the US air strikes on Iran nuclear facilities, Mr Shanmugam, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said the authorities have not detected anything here yet.
'But they need to succeed only once,' he said, adding that security is a joint responsibility and Singaporeans will need to be more aware of potential security threats.
Addressing the conflict between Iran and Israel, Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing recently also told the media on June 25 that retaliation from Iran may not be limited to targets in America or Israel.
Mr Chan said that the retaliation could be anywhere else, and could stoke up emotions in the region. These conflicts have resulted in greater security concerns, he had said.
Mr Shanmugam on June 28 also said that the Government is looking at the possible 'outflows' to Singapore, in response to Thailand recently recriminalising cannabis.
'The nexus between drugs and crime, and terrorism, also needs to be looked at.'
'We try to maintain our openness and our connectivity, and our business-friendly environment,' he said. 'It is a bit early to say what is going to happen, but we have to be more careful.'
Thailand's health ministry on June 24 issued an order prohibiting the sale of cannabis for recreational use and requiring a doctor's prescription for any retail purchase.
Mr Shanmugam said that when Thailand decriminalised cannabis previously, there were many people with more liberal views who asked if Singapore was going to change as well.
'I said the Singapore Government decides not based on what other countries do. We take a hard look, we look at the science, we look at the social impact, and the actual impact and we run the government of Singapore and the policies in the best interests of Singaporeans,' he said.
'And I am absolutely convinced, the Cabinet is absolutely convinced that the right policy is to be strict on drugs, and you can see, the people who asked for liberalisation, are shutting their eyes deliberately to what is happening around the world and the immense harm.'
'We work in the best interests of Singaporeans, and it was the right policy to keep it criminalised, not soften our stance, and that remains the right policy,' he added.
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Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam speaking on the sidelines of a community event in Nee Soon on June 28. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE – Singapore has increased its security posture amid rising tensions from the Iran-Israel conflict, said Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a community event in Nee Soon on June 28, he said: 'There is a ceasefire, but we don't know exactly what will happen after this.' People in this region, other regions, or extremist organisations might want to make a point against Israeli, American or other Western assets, he said, adding that there could be attacks from the far right on Muslim assets. If Singapore is ever attacked, it will make international headlines, he said. There is a possibility of attacks on both sides, he said, either by the far right attacking Muslims, or representatives of Muslim countries including Iran, and attacks on Western assets – American, European, or Israeli. 'So we have increased our security posture, working off different scenarios, but you know, you can never be absolutely sure,' he added. When asked by the media if there have been more suspicious activities or extreme activities since the US air strikes on Iran nuclear facilities, Mr Shanmugam, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said the authorities have not detected anything here yet. 'But they need to succeed only once,' he said, adding that security is a joint responsibility and Singaporeans will need to be more aware of potential security threats. Addressing the conflict between Iran and Israel, Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing recently also told the media on June 25 that retaliation from Iran may not be limited to targets in America or Israel. Mr Chan said that the retaliation could be anywhere else, and could stoke up emotions in the region. These conflicts have resulted in greater security concerns, he had said. Mr Shanmugam on June 28 also said that the Government is looking at the possible 'outflows' to Singapore, in response to Thailand recently recriminalising cannabis. 'The nexus between drugs and crime, and terrorism, also needs to be looked at.' 'We try to maintain our openness and our connectivity, and our business-friendly environment,' he said. 'It is a bit early to say what is going to happen, but we have to be more careful.' Thailand's health ministry on June 24 issued an order prohibiting the sale of cannabis for recreational use and requiring a doctor's prescription for any retail purchase. Mr Shanmugam said that when Thailand decriminalised cannabis previously, there were many people with more liberal views who asked if Singapore was going to change as well. 'I said the Singapore Government decides not based on what other countries do. We take a hard look, we look at the science, we look at the social impact, and the actual impact and we run the government of Singapore and the policies in the best interests of Singaporeans,' he said. 'And I am absolutely convinced, the Cabinet is absolutely convinced that the right policy is to be strict on drugs, and you can see, the people who asked for liberalisation, are shutting their eyes deliberately to what is happening around the world and the immense harm.' 'We work in the best interests of Singaporeans, and it was the right policy to keep it criminalised, not soften our stance, and that remains the right policy,' he added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
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