Your article UN: Don't let tsunami wash out millennium goals appears overly enthused about Singapore's role in the reconstruction efforts of Aceh and the alleviation of poverty there

Singapore Premier Lee Hsien Loong offered the island's infrastructure and personnel to the UN on Jan 4, the day Lee was allowed to go to Meulaboh in West Aceh, ahead of any other Asian head of state.

Let us not jump to conclusions and think that Lee's efforts were altruistic. Puh-leese!

As a regional centre for UN efforts on reconstruction, this would mean the creation of jobs and the development of expertise for Singapore's citizens and selected economic migrants. This may be in addition to Singapore companies - government-linked or otherwise - which create business interests in Aceh.

The republic's other interest in Aceh is probably related to the island's desire to be considered by some as a major player in the 'war on terror' in the region. Aceh is reputed to be torn by martial law and military operations with rumours of Laskar jihadis being encouraged by the strife to gain fresh recruits.

What is yet to unravel is the relationship of the island state with the Indonesian army in Aceh and the government in Jakarta.