Fire Attack on Singapore MP

Imagine such a terrible incident happening in Singapore which is touted as one of the safest cities in the world!

A well-known MP was burnt when a disgruntled constituent attacked him with a burning liquid. Such incident is rare in Singapore, as the country's strict laws have seemed to be effective in curtailing the crime rate in the island state. In fact, Singapore is supposed to be one of the safest cities in the world.

Why then, did that incident occur? It was reported that the attacker had a history of mental problem. He had not been selected to receive the red packet (handout) during the annual Chinese New Year celebration and probably carried out the attack in retaliation.

So far, the Singapore Government's stand is that this is an exception rather than the norm and that MPs must be accessible, even though they have to take precautions.

That incident clearly demonstrated that the precautions are ineffective and the job hazards facing public officials are real. Mind you, the same MP had been attacked in 2006 and as a result, precautionary measures are already in place, according to press reports. Yet, the culprit succeeded in perpetrating his vicious attack.

There is no doubt that MPs have to be readily accessible. On the other hand, shouldn't the MPs be adequately protected against such vicious attacks? Whether this case is an exception or a norm does not matter because, even if it is an exception, the official could have been killed.

Hopefully, the Singapore government doe something about the security for the MPs or other public figures before something more tragic occurs.