Our security agencies have been working and will continue to work very closely with their foreign intelligence and security counterparts. They include Indonesian counterparts with whom they have had several successes in the apprehension of JI fugitives including Mas Selamat himself in Feb 2003. The Indonesian authorities' recent arrest of a group of terrorists, including a Singaporean, in Palembang demonstrates the usefulness of cooperation with foreign security counterparts.

2          Up till now, our security agencies have not received any information from their Indonesian counterparts to confirm that Mas Selamat is presently hiding in Indonesia. Neither do we have domestic intelligence that shows that he has left the country.

3           Nevertheless, we obviously cannot dismiss the possibility that Mas Selamat could have managed to escape Singapore for another country. Singapore is not a fortress. As an island, our borders are porous. There can be no 100% control over all illegal exit and entry even if our enhanced security operations have kept this to a minimum. I am not aware of any country that can prevent with absolute certainty, illegal entry or exit across the length of its borders over time.

4          We will do our utmost to find Mas Selamat whatever it takes. If Mas Selamat has escaped abroad, we will work with the relevant foreign counterparts to track him down and bring him back into custody in Singapore. We have done it before; we will do it again.

5           We will also continue to work on all possible scenarios. In this regard, although there is no intelligence at present to substantiate it, as more time passes, the scenario of Mas Selamat being harboured by sympathisers inside or outside Singapore must logically be treated as increasingly plausible.

6           Two private individuals have approached MHA and offered to put up a cash reward of $1 million for information leading to the apprehension of Mas Selamat inside or outside Singapore. They have asked MHA to operationalise their proposal because they wish to remain anonymous as they are concerned over the prospect of themselves, their families or business interests in the region becoming a target for retaliation.

7           This is not the first time a bounty has been offered for information on Mas Selamat. In March, a labour-supply company and a non government organisation offered $50,000 and $5,000 respectively for information on Mas Selamat. A security firm offered $1,000 to its officers to help track him down.

8           As a policy, the Singapore Police Force does not offer cash reward for information on fugitives and unsolved crimes, or for assistance from the public. However, we do not object if private corporations and individuals wish to offer cash reward for information on the whereabouts of Mas Selamat.

9           We are encouraged by such continued public support. We remain committed to finding and capturing Mas Selamat no matter how long it takes. We have done it before

Ministry of Home Affairs

21 July 2008