MP set on fire

Recently, Mr Seng Han Thong, an MP from the Yio Chu Kang constituency, was sprayed with a flammable liquid and set ablaze by an attacker. Mr Aw Chui Seng, who attempted to help him, was hurt in the flames too.

I was shocked by the assault. Some might say that the recession and the increasing desperation of low skilled workers contributed to the violence. I am not sure if the attack was politically motivated, or influenced by a personal vendetta, but there are alternative methods of expressing disagreement, ways that are non violent and legal. Disagreements should never be solved through force.

Now, the next logical step would be to boost the security cordon around MPs. I am sure that the Police would implement tighter protection around our leaders. However, an MP must interact and access the public to find out their needs and maintain a personal contact with his constituents. He must be approachable and open to communication. Would increased security further distance MPs from the people who voted him in? Would such new safety measures actually make an MP's work difficult?

What do you think?