Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam cautioned employers against thinking along racial lines, or looking at the race or religion of potential hires.

He added that Singapore’s social compact is strong enough to withstand the latest arrests, and the firm bonds between the different races and religions will stand the country in good stead.

Still, observers stressed the need to prevent radicalisation, especially among security staff.

Mr Remy Mahzam, an associate research fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, suggested that all front-line officers could be subjected to a more serious screening process, where their inclinations would be assessed through interviews, aptitude tests and personality assessments.

Such examination could include questions on their perspective on their country, multi-culturalism, religious tolerance and sensitivities towards other races and faiths, he said. But officers need to be aware of the part they play on the front lines of ensuring Singapore’s safety, he added.

“Their roles are more heroic and prestigious as compared to any motivation to join extremist groups,” he said.