Singapore stands in solidarity with Australia: PM Lee

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he is "deeply saddened by the tragic loss of innocent lives and injuries" from the Sydney siege, and offered his condolences to the victims and their loved ones in a letter sent to his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott today (Dec 16).

Mr Lee had earlier wrote in a Facebook post yesterday that he had contacted Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to “express support'. At the time, Mr Lee also said he was “confident” Mr Abbott’s team was “on top of the situation”.

In his condolence letter to Mr Abbott, Mr Lee said that 'Singapore stands in solidarity with Australia".

"The Australian police and officials acted with great professionalism in dealing with a very difficult situation," Mr Lee wrote. "On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones."

"The hostage taker has committed an abominable crime, invoked the name of Islam in vain, and perpetrated an affront to all civilised societies. The incident reminds us of the threat that terrorism and extremism, and in particular the danger of self-radicalisation, pose to all societies," Mr Lee added. (Read the full letter by Mr Lee below)

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean also reacted, posting at 1.13am Singapore time on Dec 16. He said: "The incident shows that terrorist attacks by individuals can take place even when there is heightened security." 

He urged Singaporeans to remain "vigilant" and if such an attack should take place, "we should all face it together in a calm and resolute way, and cooperate with the authorities to resolve it appropriately".

THE FULL LETTER BY PM LEE:

16 December 2014

Dear Prime Minister Abbott,

I have followed news of the hostage incident in Sydney with great concern. The hostage taker has committed an abominable crime, invoked the name of Islam in vain, and perpetrated an affront to all civilised societies. The incident reminds us of the threat that terrorism and extremism, and in particular the danger of self-radicalisation, pose to all societies.

The Australian police and officials acted with great professionalism in dealing with a very difficult situation. I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of innocent lives and injuries in the final outcome.  But I have no doubt that they did what they needed to do, and helped to save many lives.

On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones. Singapore stands in solidarity with Australia.

Yours sincerely

Lee Hsien Loong