Minister George Yeo's comments on recapture of Mas Selamat Kastari

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Transcript of comments by Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo to local media on recapture of Mas Selamat Kastari at sidelines of Vesak Day Celebrations at Fo Guang Shan on 9 May 2009

Reporter: (Could I) have your views on his (Mas Selamat Kastari's) arrest. What do you think is the significance of his arrest?

Minister: I think everybody is relieved, happy that he has been recaptured because we have been worrying about his escape for some time. What is wonderful is the strong cooperation between the security forces in Malaysia and Singapore, because without strong cooperation and mutual trust, he would not have been recaptured. I think the spirit of Singaporeans has been wonderful too, they have kept up the vigilance over so many months and they have really been watchful.

Reporter: Does his arrest mean anything to the whole world, or the whole region?

Minister: He is a significant figure in the terrorist world, so this is a big blast that this man has been caught. He is a dangerous person but of course, we cannot let our guard down. We may celebrate his recapture but we cannot be complacent. The fight against terrorism is in a very long story, this is just one episode. We have to see it against that perspective.

Reporter: PM actually knew about his arrest (while) in Pattaya, Thailand during the ASEAN Summit. So I am just wondering if you knew the news then?

Minister: Oh, no. Because this was kept very secret.

Reporter: So when did you know the news? Just recently?

Minister: I do not want to say what has not been said, it is not good. But this is an ongoing operation, it is not as if the matter ends here. It is an ongoing operation - who has been helping him, who are his supporters and so on. So it is important that we do not divulge more information than has to be necessary.

Reporter: So you think there is a need for such a high level of secrecy?

Minister: Oh absolutely.

Reporter: So as not to compromise the investigation.

Minister: Yes, yes.

Reporter: So you did not know then? (laughs)

Minister: No, this thing was held in very tight secrecy, I would rather not speak more than what has been divulged.

Reporter: Okay, thank you sir.

Minister: Thank you.

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