Transcript of PM's Comments to Media On Bali Bombings At Grassroots Event (Jalan Kayu Day) on 2 October 2005

Media: Were you shocked at the Bali bombings yesterday when you heard the news? Is your retreat still on or off?

PM: It is bad news. I can't say I was astonished because this is an ongoing problem. We know it is a problem in this region and that is why we have taken serious precautions in Singapore. It is very bad that it has happened. We condemn it totally and we feel very sorry for the victims. There are victims from many countries - not just Indonesians but Australians and other nationalities as well. When something like this happens, there are bound to be people who are badly hurt and killed.

We have to carry on with the Retreat. We have been in touch with President Yudhoyono's staff and they agree with me that we have to continue. To change your plans and not to meet is really to concede. We will go on with the Retreat and will take the necessary precautions. I am looking forward to seeing President Yudhoyono tomorrow afternoon.

Media: Will you be discussing ways to fight terrorism, especially after Bali?

PM: Yes, we will be exchanging notes and discussing how we can strengthen the cooperation which we already have in security and anti-terrorism.

Media: What about back home? Anything else that we have to do?

PM: Back home, we are always taking our precautions very seriously. In fact, if you went round (Jalan Kayu Day) this morning and saw the activities, the agencies were already teaching the residents how to take precautions against chemical threats, suspicious packages, what the government can do and what they (residents) need to do. We will be watching and deciding whether we need to tighten up, whether we need to raise our level of alert for the next period. Singapore has always been on high alert.

Media: We haven't had any intelligence warnings etc of any possible specific threats against Singapore ?

PM: No, there is no specific warning but this is a threat which is in the region and has been for some time.

. . . . .