Forum: Sydney terror attack a reminder for all to be vigilant

The mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney is yet another stark reminder not to take race and religious relations for granted (

At least 12 dead, 29 injured in terrorist attack at Australia’s Bondi Beach

, Dec 15).

Detractors who called for the abolishment of the Internal Security Act, saying existing laws are adequate to address security matters, may have missed the implications from a security standpoint.

I witnessed two race riots as a teenager in 1964, and feel strongly that such clashes should never occur again.

The influences of ISIS have been far-reaching and young, impressionable people have been radicalised into believing that they are fighting for a just cause. Fortunately, those detained here have been counselled and rehabilitated.

The Inter-Religious Organisation should be commended for its continuing outstanding work in fostering inter-religious harmony here.

With the festive season fast approaching, the Singapore authorities should continue to deploy as many police officers as possible during mass social events (Singapore police step up patrols in certain areas after Sydney shooting, Dec 17).

Security at all entry and exit points must be escalated and tightened. Immigration officers should remain on high alert in profiling and identifying suspicious characters.

While there has been no let-up by our security agencies to tackle terrorism on all fronts, citizens should also play their part by being vigilant at all times to prevent terrorist activities from taking root here.

We are often reminded that it is not a question of “if” but “when” Singapore is hit by a terror attack and that its people should be prepared to recover quickly as a community after such an event.

The world is fraught with political, economic and social uncertainties, and the will and resilience of our citizens are needed to help safeguard Singapore.

Andrew Seow Chwee Guan