THE Sydney hostage incident has cast a spotlight on the need for Singapore to be on guard constantly, especially against lone-wolf attacks, security experts said.

Such an incident may cause social tensions if it happened here, they added.

But like the community and religious leaders interviewed, they believe Singapore is well positioned to manage the tensions and withstand the fallout.

… “Lone wolves can cause serious death and destruction, and they can shake resilience and inter- community relations,” said Associate Professor Ahmed Salah Hashim of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

… Mr Barry Desker, former RSIS dean, said one “major asset” for Singapore is the resolve of Muslim leaders in starting the Religious Rehabilitation Group to counsel detained Jemaah Islamiah members and counter the appeal of religious extremists.