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Singapore Says its Free of Osama Links
JAKARTA, Sept 23 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Singapore confidently said there is no group that is linked to Osama bin Laden, the prime suspect in the terrorist attack on the U.S., in the tiny island nation.
Worried over implications of repeated challenges by U.S. President George W. Bush that any countries harboring terrorists in anyway would come under Washington's ire, Singaporean authorities quickly said the country had no links with bin Laden.
Bin Laden has an international network with groups in different countries trying to overturn the status quo, Singaporean authorities said, adding that the group had links in the southern Philippines and other places in the region.
"Are they in Singapore? We don't think so because we are quite careful," said Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
"But Americans didn't know they had these terrorists in America either," he told the Malay daily,
Berita Harian.
He also confirmed that inquiries were made with banks here following Western media reports that bin Laden's organization was laundering money through Singapore.
The government has received no reports of transactions or assets involving bin Laden or his associates, Brigadier-General Lee said.
"As far as we know, it has not happened. But if we get new information, we will investigate and take appropriate action," he said.
In a transcript released yesterday, he urged Singaporeans of different races to strive harder to reaffirm their solidarity in the wake of the attack, which will prolong a global economic downturn.
There must be more interaction between Muslim and non-Muslim citizens who must be prepared to deal with unexpected threats that can come their way, the statement stressed
"So psychologically, you have to have that robustness to take the blow and pick yourself up again, which I am sure the Americans will do," he said.
Singapore's government will also watch the growing religious consciousness among Singaporeans to ensure that it will not affect inter-ethnic relations and religious harmony.
It says it will make it clear that it will not tolerate victimization of Malay Singaporeans if the U.S. goes to war with a Muslim country in its efforts to wipe out terrorism.
"We are all Singaporeans together, and we must all take a Singaporean perspective," said B.G. Lee.
"The majority of Muslims in Singapore are moderate and rational in their views.
"If leaders of all ethnic groups send very clear signals on where they stand and what Singapore's interests are, they will help the government to rally the ground and strengthen our society," the deputy Premier said.
With additional reporting by Kazi Mahmood
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