Paris attack a reminder to guard community ties, says DPM Teo

 The attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that left 12 dead in Paris is a reminder for Singapore to guard its community ties, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said.

In a Facebook post on Thursday (Jan 8), Mr Teo wrote: “We must treasure and strengthen the ties that bind our communities together in Singapore.”

Security patrols and surveillance have been stepped up in Singapore, he said, adding that Singaporeans can also help by reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities. “No country is immune,” he wrote.

Sending his condolences to the families of the victims, Mr Teo said it was “sad to see how extremism can lead to violence and bloodshed”.

Responding to media queries, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said Singapore strongly condemns the “heinous attack”.

“This incident is another painful reminder that all countries face a common threat from terrorism. We support the French government’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,” it said in a statement.

The ministry also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of France.