It is about time the police do something like conducting large-scale anti-crime operations against groups that loiter around.
Round these thugs (including their girlfriends) and have them detained for the maximum period that is legally allowed under the Criminal Procedure Code or the Societies Act.
ALL SINGAPOREANS, including those present here as tourists or what not, have the supreme right of protection from the State.
The perpetrators (irregardless of race, etc...) should get the message (via tough police stand) that such "unruly cowardly" acts have no place in Singapore and that the long arm of the law will swing hard at them.
Needless to say, at the end of the day, the State owes a duty of care to the people of Singapore.
Simple things like keeping Neighbourhood Police Centres opened at all time is the best solution rather then locking it up at night. Imagine some wounded person running towards a NPC only to find it locked. Do the SPF want the victim concerned to bleed to death infront of their locked NPC?
If there is a need to increase manpower for the Singapore Police Force, please do so. Don't stinge on areas of public security. Maybe, the Force can buy less flashy cars (for patrol and VIP protection) and motorcycles and used the money saved from the allotted Budget to recruit more officers.
If I may suggest, "if there is a need to make the officers masquerade as "bullies and thugs" please do so. The CNB has in the past used the services of Caucasians to make "deals" with drug-traffickers. It was a resounding success.
The SPF can do it for they have enough young men (NSmen) under their umbrella. Use this people to pose as "pai-kias" and get those unruly Singaporeans to be trapped and thoroughly investigated. If weapons are found, charge them with illegally possessing dangerous weapons. If fights took place, those "posing" as "pai-kias" can take out their weapons and fire in self-defence.
Surely we do not want to follow the route that certain countries police force is taking.
If there is no Fire there won't be SMOKE.