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[extract] Ex-SCDF Chief Peter Lim Sin Pang

When I read this article, I really . I am not privy to whatever James Bond stuff that goes on behind the scenes but since 9/11 we have had multiple security screw ups like Mas Selamat, Ah Took, people clearing customs with the wrong passport, corpse water and so on. Makes me feel that we had 10 peaceful years more because the terrorists consider us small fries and the Yanks have been busy pounding them. IIRC, Mas Selamat got exposed because of a tip off from the US. S'pore's 10 peaceful years didn't happen by chance: PM Mr Lee acknowledges role of Home Team, S'poreans in staying calm in turbulent times Updated 11:55 AM Sep 12, 2011 by Carolyn Quek SINGAPORE - Singapore has had 10 peaceful years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, but that did not happen by chance, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday as he looked back on how the country has been affected by the events of Sept 11, 2001, on the last decade. Noting that security forces here and the various Home Team agencies have worked hard to keep the country safe, Mr Lee said: "We pre-empted, we detected, we arrested and detained people who would have done bad things to us and done us a lot of harm - not just hurt and kill Singaporeans but brought damage and torn apart our whole society and racial harmony." The Prime Minister, who was speaking at the Teck Ghee Lantern Night celebrations in Ang Mo Kio, also said that the event affected not only the United States, but also changed the world, triggering a battle with terrorists. But Singaporeans have lived calmly and the country's racial harmony has been strengthened, and this is something to give thanks and be grateful for, added Mr Lee. "Our different communities have worked together to come closer together, to build trust with one another, to be able to feel more Singaporean, even though we know that there are tensions and problems in the world outside. And so over 10 years, we've had peaceful years, and we've come closer together." Mr Lee said he was also glad to see many families from other races coming together for the lantern festival last night. "When we celebrate the lantern festival or when we celebrate the other community festivals in Singapore - whether it's Hari Raya or Deepavali - we all celebrate together regardless of race, language or religion and tonight I am very happy to see many Malay families, Indian families, bringing their kids here and celebrating with us this lantern festival. "It reminds us how happy we have been and it reminds us how hard we have to work to keep this harmony together for many years to come," said the Prime Minister. Mr Lee, who was accompanied by his wife, Ms Ho Ching, for the festivities, was also presented a calligraphy scroll at the event and took part in a lantern walk with residents. Link