Our security agencies assess that Mas Selamat is still in Singapore. No evidence to suggest he has fled the country.
Topmost priority is to find and arrest him. Search operations are on-going.
Reactions by the community
We see spontaneous community efforts to help in the search efforts. Students have volunteered to distribute the police notice.
The three telephone companies have also volunteered their services by sending MMS' to all their subscribers. Some companies took the initiative to distribute posters and relevant information staff and clients. More than 300 calls have been received by 999.
All leads provided by the public are followed up. No stone will be left unturned.
The 100% security checks at the land checkpoints have caused inconvenience to travelers. I thank them for bearing with us.
In times like this, we see most Singaporeans coming together, and unified in action.
Ground morale
This is a national effort, from members of the public who provide information to SAF officers joining in the search efforts, as well as Home Team officers from ICA at the checkpoints, Police officers conducting searches and on patrol, and ISD officers collecting intelligence.
Our officers understand the mission and know the importance of finding and arresting Mas Selamat, no matter what it takes.
On Committee of Inquiry
Mas Selamat escaped because of a security lapse.
The Criminal Investigation Department is investigating how it happened particularly in terms of whether there is any criminal wrongdoing. If any person is found to have abetted the escape, he will be dealt with according to the law.
A lot of questions have been asked about how the escape happened. I visited the Whitley Road Detention Centre yesterday.
Even though weaknesses in its physical security have been rectified, we must ensure that a similar incident does not occur.
I have set up a Committee of Inquiry to get to the bottom of this matter. The Committee will examine the system of the Whitley Road Detention Centre, investigate how he escaped and recommend improvements. It will be chaired by Mr Goh Joon Seng.
Mr Goh is a retired High Court Judge and a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers. The other members are retired Commissioner of Police and currently Ambassador at Large Mr Tee Tua Bah, and Deputy Secretary (Security) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Choong May Ling.
I have confidence that the Committee will conduct a full and comprehensive inquiry, and will do a balanced and thorough job.