It is reassuring to note that our biggest anti-terror exercise has been conducted ("S'pore stages its biggest anti-terror exercise"; yesterday).

Singapore experienced a bomb attack at the MacDonald House in 1965; it took three lives and injured 33 people. Are we better prepared now?

The recent foiled plot to attack Marina Bay from Batam underscores the need for us to be on our guard at all times.

But just as important as preparedness before and during an attack is the ability to recover from one after it occurs.

Other major cities have experienced terrorist attacks, and have come back stronger.

Are we in a similar position to do the same?

A terrorist attack here can inflame passions, but we must not allow it to divide us.

We need to study what has happened in communities in other cities that have experienced attacks and learn what to do and not do.

Singaporeans will have to be level-headed and show solidarity in the face of any intimidation by terrorists, and band together to help one another.

We must also show our ability as a nation to bounce back.

Manoraj Rajathurai