Alex Yam
Singapore
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I know the Minister of State indicated that while it is still undergoing investigation, we should not speculate. I know also from her reply that they have removed the wrong classification of our trade deficit with the US.”
“Thank you, Speaker. Building on the point that the Minister-in-charge of energy had raised earlier about fixed rates. There is concern amongst consumers that the gencos and the electricity suppliers may, at some point, invoke a force majeure, and that would affect the supply contracts that are signed with consumers.”
“Chairman, therefore, I look forward to hearing how MCCY intends to further embed the ethos of "we first" across multiple aspects of society so that our national identity is formed through participation, not just persuasion.”
“Thank you, Chairman, 41 questions and 330 minutes later, I certainly think the Ministry deserves the $100 back. So, I seek leave to withdraw my amendment. [(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)] [(proc text) The sum of $2,407,711,100 for Head X ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.”
“Thank you, Chairman. The Minister updated the House earlier about the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements as well as hybrid threats, especially in the cyber domain.”
“If we are intentional in leveraging the reach and influence of institutions like SAFRA, we can ensure that Total Defence can remain a lived national commitment and not confined to the uniformed services or to our schools.”
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“Simply put, we pick no sides; we pick principles. We continue to nurture strong ties with our partners, while fortifying ASEAN unity. A cohesive regional bloc protects our shared interests and dampens external pressures. A united ASEAN is our best bet against the crosswinds of big power rivalries. However, we have our share of problems. Mr Chairman, Singaporeans must also realise how vital it is to avoid reflexively choosing sides. That could serve another power's agenda rather than Singapore's. A well-informed, united citizenry is our frontline in foreign policy. When we collectively understand the rationale behind our diplomatic stances, we become a nation that speaks with one voice and stands firm amidst the chaos. In this epoch of renewed big power contests, Singapore's path must be clear: remain steadfast in our principles, unwavering in our commitment to international law, and yet astute in balancing relationships with all of our partners, big or small. We may be small, but we must stand tall, guided by the power of principle over the principle of power. I therefore support the Ministry's budget. We must stand behind our Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) officers who work tirelessly to secure Singapore's place in a world increasingly turned on its head. How do we therefore navigate the complex global landscape becomes ever more important. How does MFA assess our place in this contested landscape? And how do we prepare Singaporeans for the New World Order? Because when the storms of geopolitics rage, Singapore will and must stay resolute, for that is how small states like ours stand our ground. US-China Tension”
“Chairman, there is a troubling resurgence of big power contestation and the rising possibility of a hot war with leaders who appear increasingly dismissive of international laws and norms. History reminds us that powerful nations have always vied for influence. But the speed and intensity of today's power plays are unprecedented. In this volatile environment, smaller states like Singapore cannot afford to be complacent. Just look at what happened in the Oval Office last week. We must remember that when great powers collide, smaller nations must keep their wits, or risk being trampled. Why does all this matter to Singapore? Singapore thrives because of the integrity of global trade routes and rules-based norms. Any unilateral tariff or sanction, imposed on a whim by the major powers, can batter our economy. For a small but open economy like ours, every disruption at sea, in the air, or even in boardrooms, echoes across our island. Our sovereignty depends on the global community honouring international laws. If might becomes right, smaller states will find themselves squeezed. The gradual erosion of long-standing norms casts an ominous shadow over our national security. Peace, after all, is delicate; we cannot let the heavy footprints of great powers tread on our Independence. Amid the shifting calculus of the circles of power in Washington, Beijing, Moscow and beyond, we must stand ready for sudden turns in policy, whether in technology alliances or strategic supply chains. Because in a fluid world where alliances can form and fracture overnight, vigilance and self-reliance are our strongest shields. Singapore's reliability stems from abiding by international law and seeking peaceful resolution of disputes. This steadfast posture bolsters our credibility.”
“Chairman, the inaugural Exercise SG Ready was a timely demonstration of how crises and disruptions can strain our daily lives – from power and water outages to digital connectivity failures, widespread cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and drone threats. These simulations challenged our readiness across multiple fronts, ensuring that Singaporeans remain prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to such hybrid threats. We have witnessed how these dangers can escalate in real-world contexts. Amidst the still ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, repeated strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have led to prolonged power blackouts. Hospitals have been forced into crisis mode, with critical medical procedures delayed or disrupted, underscoring the grave consequences when essential services are compromised. This year’s edition of Exercise SG Ready, held in February, built on those lessons learnt from last year. As part of our SG60 commemorations, the exercise invited Singaporeans to reflect on the crises and disruptions we have overcome over the six decades of our Independence and to brace ourselves for potential future threats. In light of SG60, I would like to request an update from the Ministry on this year’s exercise. Could MINDEF also share other initiatives that are underway to further strengthen Singapore’s crisis preparedness so that our nation remains resilient and well-guarded against emerging threats? Strengthening Resilience”
“Chairman, NS has long been the bedrock of our nation's defence – an institution through which generations of Singaporean sons and daughters have stepped forward to protect our homeland. The contributions of our full-time NSmen and women are invaluable. At the same time, we recognise that these commitments may impact their educational and career trajectories. A recent 2023 Institute of Policy Studies report on public attitudes towards NS found broad support for conscription, yet highlighted concerns that time spent in service could affect subsequent transitions to study or to employment. One key recommendation was for MINDEF to strengthen support for service-men-and-women during their final months of NS, helping them prepare for the next phase of life. At last year's Committee of Supply debate, MINDEF announced enhanced SkillsFuture@NS initiatives, allowing full-time NSmen access to the SSkillsFuture@NS Learning eXperience Platform (SF@NS LXP), which offers over 75,000 online courses. This move of course reflects the Ministry's commitment to investing in our servicemen's development, both during and after their time in uniform. 1.00 pm Chairman, with these developments in mind, I would like to request an update on the concrete measures that MINDEF has implemented, or plans to implement, to facilitate our Servicemen’s smooth transition into their next chapter, be it as students or in the workforce. Specifically, I seek more details on how MINDEF’s initiatives, such as SkillsFuture@NS, will continue to equip our full-time NSmen with the skills, knowledge and confidence to excel in their post-NS endeavours. Total Defence and Civic Preparedness”
“Going forward, Mr Chairman, I would like to seek an update from the Ministry on how it intends to build upon these developments. Specifically, how will MINDEF continue to refine our training methodology, both overseas and here at home, so that our troops remain primed for the demands of ever more complex battlegrounds? Our collective security hinges on our ability to innovate, adapt and prepare. After all, if we embrace challenging training today, we can better safeguard ourselves and our people for tomorrow. Local Training Area”
“Mr Chairman, rigorous and realistic training for our SAF is of utmost importance. As General Norman Schwarzkopf once said, “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.” Therefore, excellence in training is our first and best line of defence. The SAF has long conducted overseas exercises in diverse terrains, climates and environments – critical experiences that are not feasible within our limited land area. These large-scale and high-end trainings help our Servicemen keep pace with evolving threats. Modern conflicts increasingly involve dense urban settings and hybrid tactics, requiring our soldiers to be adaptable, quick-thinking and responsive to rapidly changing situations. Urban warfare, as we have seen in recent conflicts, present unique challenges: the interplay of skyscrapers and subterranean complexes, the constant presence of civilians and the ever-present risk of unconventional tactics. No single strategy can be applied to every city block or building. Our Servicemen must not only master their equipment but also develop the mental acuity to seize opportunities amid complex situations. To that end, the Ministry of Defence has taken proactive steps to enhance urban training. At last year’s COS debate, we learned of SAFTI City – the next-generation smart training facility. Featuring three Instrumented Battle Circuits, SAFTI City will provide immersive, real-time simulations, allowing for video playback as well as comprehensive After Action Reviews. These capabilities embody the spirit of continuous improvement for our military, ensuring that every lesson learnt on the training ground translates into greater operational effectiveness.”
“Mr Speaker, I rise today in support of the 2025 Budget, conscious of the many challenges that are confronting us as a small and open economy, yet buoyed by hope as we approach SG60 this year. At its very core, this Budget is a pledge to every Singaporean. It places our people at the heart of our nation's progress. Indeed, no matter the global uncertainties that swirl around us, it is a reaffirmation that the fruits of our progress must be shared widely with Singaporeans. This Budget is also an expression of our readiness to face a more contested and fragmented global landscape.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your indulgence. I thank the Minister of State for her answer. While the current changes to Meta's moderation policy applies only to the US, has the Ministry done an assessment that if this becomes broad-based and company-wide across various jurisdictions, what is the impact on our local regulations, such as with POFMA and Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act? And has Meta reached out to the regulators, or has the Ministry, perhaps, spoken to Meta, to better understand the rationale behind these changes and how they intend to have responsible digital governance? As we saw from the previous Parliamentary Question, there are, of course, many specific risk areas that are pertinent to us. We have been through COVID-19, impact on public health, social cohesion, which we covered in yesterday's debate, and of course, of pertinence to this year, elections in Singapore. Meta's new policy in the US, somewhat, mirrors what X is doing, in terms of crowdsourcing moderation, but the Center for Countering Digital Hate, for example, looked at X – and platform's own owner, Elon Musk – many of his views, which are misleading on the US elections, and of course, his support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Reform UK outside of the US, has amassed almost two billion views. This is despite them having this so called crowdsourced or community nodes system. So, there is a great scope for damage to be done, should various social media platforms decide to go the same way. And I am asking if the Ministry is prepared for those eventualities.”
“Mr Speaker, to the Minister, how does Singapore access the credibility and sustainability of the current ceasefire agreement and what diplomatic tools do we have, especially in terms of our developed relations with countries in the region, that we can leverage upon to encourage both parties in this conflict to uphold it for the long haul.”
“Sir, I would like to ask the Minister two supplementary questions. One, with regard to the donations that have been provided. As of January this year, through RLAF, we have provided S$19 million in terms of aid to the people of Gaza. What is also important in the minds of Singaporeans who have contributed most generously to this effort, is the assessment of the effectiveness of the aid provided and whether it has been properly accounted for? Our partners there, as we witnessed during our visit with the Minister last year, have been very helpful but I think it bears reassuring to our donors in Singapore that they are properly accounted for. Secondly, how does Singapore assess the credibility and sustainability of the current ceasefire agreement and what diplomatic tools do we have, especially our very developed relations with countries in the region that can be leveraged upon, to encourage both parties in this conflict to uphold?”
“The deployment of noise sensors has also raised privacy concerns. What safeguards are provided and put in place to ensure that they do not inadvertently record conversations or compromise residents’ privacy? Could the Minister clarify who would compose the CROs and the ACROs and the selection criteria that ensure they are fit for investigation and enforcement duties? How will residents be able to identify them? In addition, how will CROs handle interactions with persons that would have mental health conditions or special needs? Given the CRU’s significant powers, what safeguards are in place to prevent overreach and ensure that these powers are used appropriately? Under what circumstances as well in extremis when things get out of hand, will the HDB step in to consider compulsory residence acquisition? My last question is on broader community broader community building. Could the Minister also elaborate on what are the targets for community-building efforts to promote a harmonious neighbourhood and what role do agencies play in reinforcing these roles, together with community leaders? Mr Speaker, these enhancements to the CDMF underline our commitment to a balanced, community-centred approach to dispute resolution. By supporting a framework that encourages residents to engage with each other positively, we strengthen the ties that hold our society together. I look forward to the Minister's responses and seeing these enhancements' positive impact on our communities. Mr Speaker, I support this Bill.”
“In addition, for cases where mediation and community-based solutions are insufficient, the CDRT remains an avenue of last resort. Other Members have also mentioned that legal processes should not be the first option for resolving disputes, as they often create adversarial situations with winners and losers. We must also avoid the potential weaponisation of the legal and tribunal process as a punitive tool against each other. Instead, our priority should be bringing people together to understand each other’s perspectives. However, where necessary, the CDRT process must remain quick, effective and focused on fair outcomes. In light of these enhancements, Mr Speaker, I seek further clarification on a number of points. The CMC has worked over the years to improve accessibility to mediation services. I do hope the Minister would be able to elaborate and update on specific improvements over the years that have made it more accessible and more successful. On the CRU, why is the CRU not established as a 24/7 response unit? Because many disputes occur out of hours. In some cases, immediate intervention could be crucial. We have seen in some recent unfortunate cases where grievous hurt and in other cases, lives have been lost because of long-standing disputes that have turned violent. The CRU, of course, is starting with a pilot. What are the considerations for this phased approach? What is mark and matrix of success and when can we expect to consider a nationwide roll-out to benefit all constituencies immediately? The pilot also currently focuses more on noise and hoarding issues. Are there plans to include other issues, such as second-hand smoke, which has been a concern in many neighbourhoods and exacerbated during COVID-19?”
“And often there were borders skirmishes, sometimes unwittingly caused by our poor conservancy workers who must move the stands and pots so that they could clear out the scupper drains and then when they relocate the pots, some of these unfortunate pots became illegal immigrants on the wrong side of the border. And in this long-standing dispute and on rare occasions, one of the stands would stray into opposing territory and the pot would be consigned to the refugee camp at the bin chute. Soon, this resulted in shouting matches and guerilla warfare was launched as well. Each of the neighbour would come to say that their pots were flooded with rubbish or with too much water and the orchids start to die. It took a while, but with some persistence from the UN – in this case the "United Network" of community partners and mediators – and building on their common love for flora, they did in the end resolve their conflict and became good friends. This is one success. But there are many other long-standing and long-suffering examples that many of us have had difficulty in addressing despite all the tools in the box. So, the CRU represents a thoughtful addition to our toolkit. Its scope addresses only the severe cases that cannot be resolved within the community. I do believe that Government intervention should always be a last resort, allowing the community to resolve issues as much as possible. The CRU’s role is to assist in cases that require more than community-based solutions and stepping in when all other efforts have been exhausted. This is a measured approach, ensuring we do not resort to heavy-handed approaches but reserve intervention to exceptional cases.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, the fact that we are debating the CDMF in Parliament shows that there have been disputes over the years that have become difficult to resolve due to varying reasons. This is not the first time that we are talking about dispute resolution within this House. The CDMF and its enhancements do hopefully represent a significant step forward in strengthening our community-based resolution and promote good neighbourliness overall. [Mr Speaker in the Chair] As it stands, the community already plays a significant role in mediating disputes on the ground. As many Members have mentioned, often, it is grassroots volunteers, Town Council property officers, HDB ground staff, community mediators such as those from CMC are on the frontlines. In my constituency, I am fortunate to also have volunteers from the International Institute of Mediators (Singapore) to call upon. Significantly, the proposed CDMF enhancements strengthen but not replace our community’s role in resolving many of these disputes. I always recall one of the earliest examples of a neighbour dispute that I was asked to mediate in with my team. This was when I first was elected. I was told of two neighbours who were bickering for almost a decade. I found out that both were retirees and passionate orchid growers, each with their own little garden along the corridor outside their flats. But on that same corridor was a very unique feature because in the middle of the wall with a pencil a line that demarcated the unofficial border between these two territories.”
“Mr Speaker, I spent quite a large part of my career in the trade unions and I think there is no more passionate group of people in fighting for the rights of workers than union leaders. I would just like to share a point of information. The hon Member Mr Gerald Giam said that he studied the trade unions relationship in the UK. I am not sure if he realises that the trade unions in the UK actually pay an annual fee to the Labour Party. In return, they elect 13 out of 39 members of the National Executive Committee and 50% of delegates to the Labour Party Conference. So, why is it that they can have a formal relationship and we cannot in Singapore? The New Democratic Party in Canada was founded in 1967 by who? By the Canadian Labour Congress. So, they have a long working relationship. It is encapsulated in the New Democratic Party's constitution as well. So, political relationship and affiliations between trade unions and political parties are a natural partnership because for trade unions to want to achieve something, they do so through political means. Some of course choose to be independent, that is great. But across the democratic world, there are many, many examples of good, strong working relationships between political parties and trade unions. And there are also many trade unions that choose through their history to form political parties to advocate for the rights of their workers. So, I am not sure what part of the relationship or history that he has seen in the UK that proves this otherwise.”
“Mr Speaker, I thank the hon Minister. The Minister mentioned that businesses should have contingencies in place. Could I ask the Minister, with regard to critical infrastructure, for example, businesses and airlines that are operating at our airports, whether we should have compulsory requirements? Because as we saw at our airport during the outage, most airlines were able to cope, whereas some airlines faced longer disruptions. This experience, although it is related to the airlines, does also reflect on Singapore on a whole. As such, will the Ministry consider making it compulsory for some businesses to adopt contingency plans?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Questions for the Minister. I note that the Minister shared that there is one Singaporean who is e-registered to travel to Lebanon and has decided to proceed. I also further note that there are one travel notice and two travel advisories dated 17 April, 14 April and 7 February for the region. The first supplementary question is, is the Ministry aware of how many Singaporeans remain in the immediate vicinity of the region, who are either registered or unregistered? And if the Ministry assesses the situation to become more serious, although this is rarely done, will MFA issue a stricter travel advisory for Singaporeans to completely avoid travel to the region?”
“Mr Speaker, in reference to my Question No 2, I may have missed a bit of the detail. Can the Minister share what is the current assessable cost of the clean-up operations? They are quite intense, a lot of manpower. Who will eventually bear the cost of this clean-up exercise?”
“In conclusion, Mr Speaker, Sir, the proposed amendments to the Cybersecurity Act represent a pivotal opportunity for us to strengthen our defences against the looming spectre of cyber threats. By bolstering accountability, expanding regulatory frameworks and empowering our CSA, we can pave the way for a safer, more secure future for generations to come. Therefore, Mr Speaker, I support the amendments to the Bill.”
“Much of what we are experiencing right now is related to how cloud computing has revolutionised the way organisations operate and is a key driver for digital transformation, bringing with it scalability, flexibility and, of course, cost savings, the most important factors for businesses today. But a recent study by the Crowd Research Centre, with over 250,000 members on the information security community on LinkedIn and leading cloud security vendors, showed that 90% of companies and organisations are worried about cloud security. For many users, even individuals like ourselves, the ease of access to the cloud makes security challenges even more stark. Information and data is widely available and, of course, vulnerable. Behind all of this is an alphabet soup of GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, DSS, PKI, DNS, HMSs – many of which the end user is unaware of and perhaps does not even understand. But all these are critical to help to keep our data safe. So, while the amendments before us today largely require CII organisations to ensure compliance, it is also imperative that we educate end users on the importance of data security. Secondly, it is also important that even non-CII companies are up-to-date in their data and cybersecurity measures, as each organisation today holds a significant amount of customer data, which may cause widespread damage if lost to malicious actors. The Bill, as it is read, is also not specific at the moment on how the monitoring of CIIs will be done, which may cause companies to under-report for fear of revealing trade secrets or expertise. It will also be helpful for CSA to assist in creating a clear and standardised reporting structure that all companies, including CIIs, can adhere to.”
“Likewise, our financial institutions stand as prime targets for cyber criminals, seeking to wreak havoc on our economy. With the click of a mouse, hackers can infiltrate banking systems, syphoning funds and destabilising markets with alarming ease. The recent spate of ransomware attacks targeting financial institutions worldwide serve as a sobering testament to the gravity of this threat, with billions of dollars at stake and the livelihoods of countless individuals hanging in the balance. But perhaps most concerning of all of this is the potential for cyber-attacks to compromise our healthcare infrastructure. In an era defined by a global pandemic, our healthcare systems have become more vulnerable than ever to malicious actors seeking to exploit weaknesses for their own gain. From ransomware attacks crippling hospital operations, to the theft of sensitive patient data, the stakes could not be higher when it comes to protecting our healthcare CIIs. These examples merely scratch the surface of the myriad of threats facing our CIIs. From transportation systems to Government agencies, no sector is immune to the perils of cyber warfare. As we stand on the parapets of a digital age defined by unprecedented connectivity and innovation, the time is now for us to take decisive action to safeguard our nation's future. These amendments are much needed. Since the introduction of the Cybersecurity Act, the CSA has had time to operationalise and learn and continue to evolve its methods to prevent attacks on our CIIs. And so, with this hindsight, we are able to come before this House to debate the amendments that are before us.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, today, as we deliberate the critical amendments to the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Act, it is imperative that we recognise the pressing need to fortify our nation's defences against the ever-evolving threats that loom over our Critical Information Infrastructure, or CII for short. Based on World Bank's statistics, our most recent Internet penetration rate is at 96% in Singapore, as compared to 66.2% average worldwide. Our businesses are also even more interconnected worldwide with data transfers occurring at a click of a button. At the user front, we, of course, have well-known issues of scams and hacking threats and at a wider infrastructure level, there is even greater vulnerability. Our CIIs are inherently vulnerable and that renders them susceptible to a myriad of cyber threats. Imagine, if you will, the intricate web of interconnected systems that underpin our essential services sector, from energy, water, banking and finance, to healthcare, transport, infocomm, media, security and emergency services and, of course, here, Government. Envision the catastrophic consequences that could ensue if these systems fall prey to malicious actors. Consider, for instance, the potential ramifications of a cyber-attack targeting our energy grid. With our reliance on electricity pervading every aspect of our lives, including right here in this Chamber, from powering our homes to fuelling our industries, the disruption that would be wrought by such an attack would be nothing short of devastating for our economy. We need only to look at history for precedents. With cyber-attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine that various Members have raised and elsewhere, serving as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities that plague our interconnected world today.”
“— we have seen a number of near misses. So, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State if LTA would be able to study this and also review the measures around School Zones?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have a Parliamentary Question slated for tomorrow, which is similar and largely covered. I thank the Senior Minister of State, especially, for LTA's efforts in promoting the Silver Zones. But I was hoping to ask if LTA would consider a comprehensive study of how we plan high-traffic areas, high-risk areas, especially around School Zones. I am sure many Members of this House, in our own constituencies, we face daily issues at the peak in the morning as well as at dismissal time, where traffic is hindered because the ingress and egress to some of our schools are in smaller lanes, creating inconveniences to residents as well as bottlenecks further upstream. I have seen some in my own estate, for example, where the cars would have to queue up into the bus spaces, creating additional difficulty for our transport operators. In addition, these driver behaviours have been exacerbated, for example, this year, with a lack of bus drivers, earlier in the year, that has increased the number of parents who are sending their kids to school. And secondly, because of the queues, it creates dangerous driver behaviour elsewhere as drivers are unable to turn, for example, into their housing estate, and they drive against traffic. And in my own constituency as well, again —”
“Therefore, I am eager to learn about the strategies and initiatives undertaken by MINDEF to address these common threats that transcend our national borders. To address these challenges, Singapore took the proactive step of establishing the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Cybersecurity and Information Centre for Excellence, the ADMM ACICE, in 2021. This move came amidst the growing digitalisation of society and the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks as well as disinformation and misinformation. I am pleased that the physical centre for ACICE was officially launched on 18 July last year. This initiative is crucial because cyber and information threats are multifaceted and constantly evolving. It is clear that collaboration with other ASEAN member states and international partners is essential. Therefore, I am also keen to find out from the Minister for Defence about the progress of ACICE and its plans for the future. How does ACICE intend to build upon its existing work to enhance cybersecurity and combat disinformation?”
“Mr Chairman, in our rapidly changing world, the nature of threats we face is evolving. We now on confront a growing array of non-conventional security challenges. Terrorism, cyber-attacks and the spread of disinformation are on the rise, both in frequency and impact. Just last October, a devastating terrorist attack orchestrated by Hamas struck Israel, claiming the lives of innocent individuals. This heinous act sparked a brutal conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel's disproportionate force and violence, despite the right to self-defence, has led to the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of countless others. The repercussions of this conflict extend far beyond their immediate battlegrounds. Here, in Southeast Asia, a prolonged Israel-Hamas confrontation heightens the risk of radicalisation, posing a threat not just to Singapore but to our neighbours as well. Furthermore, cyber-attacks and the dissemination of false information have become preferred tactics for hostile entities seeking to further their agendas. These attacks are insidious, widespread and challenging to trace, capable of inflicting severe damage on our critical infrastructure and undermining public trust. Given Singapore's heavy reliance on digital technologies, we must remain vigilant against such threats. ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Cybersecurity and Information Centre Take, for example, the issue of ransomware, which remains a serious concern in Singapore. Ransomware groups are becoming more sophisticated, swiftly extracting data and using tailored threats to coerce victims into paying up. It is clear therefore the challenges cannot be tackled by any single nation alone. Cooperation and coordination are essential.”
“Tactical innovation have birthed a new breed of weaponry, where hybrid tools serve as the vanguards of destruction in an ever-shifting landscape of battle. Amidst this chaos and turmoil that grip our world, we must not lose sight of the implications that they hold for all of us – especially here in Singapore. Singapore, despite our small size, stands as a beacon of stability in a turbulent sea and it is incumbent upon us to remain vigilant, adaptable and resolute in the defence of our sovereignty. As we navigate the treacherous waters, let us stand firm against the tides of adversity – fortified by the knowledge that together, we can overcome even the greatest of challenges. In conclusion, I call upon the Minister for Defence to shed light on how MINDEF and the SAF are adapting plans and priorities to the evolving threats that confront us and how we can collectively chart a course together towards a future defined not by conflict, but by cooperation and peace. Defence Spending”
“Mr Chairman, in the last few years, we stood witness to the winds of change sweeping across our globe. The pillars of international order have trembled and weakened under the weight of discord and conflict – casting shadows of uncertainty on all of us. Let us take for a moment to reflect on the sobering reality that the Russia-Ukraine War, is now into its third year. It has transcended mere territorial battlegrounds and has spilled into the virtual realm of cyber warfare and disinformation – shaping perceptions and narratives everywhere. Ukraine's resilient defence, buoyed by initial international solidarity – albeit now more tenuous than it was at the start of the war – stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Yet, regrettably, the horizon remains shrouded in ambiguity – devoid of a clear end to this protracted conflict. And while the world's gaze was on Europe, another conflict rages now in the Middle East, where the ancient sands bear witness to a modern-day tragedy unfolding before all of us. The clash between Israel and Hamas serves as a poignant reminder of unresolved grievances and deep-seated animosities that have marred the region not just for decades – but for centuries and millennia. The hopes for a lasting peace seem now dashed against the rocks of historical enmity, leaving the world grappling for solutions in the face of entrenched divisions – not just far from our shores but within our own borders and between communities. In this crucible of conflict, we witness the evolution of warfare itself, where traditional boundaries between conventional and unconventional tactics now blur into obscurity.”
“Let us unite our voices in the collective call for a safer and more harmonious world and for a resolution to the current conflict in Israel and the Gaza. Mr Speaker, I beg to move. [Applause.] 1.45 pm”
“Misguided beliefs and distorted narratives can further escalate tensions and lead to divisions within our community and, collectively, we must re-double our efforts to ensure that Singaporeans have access to reliable sources of information and are equipped to discern fact from fiction. By doing so, we empower Singaporeans to make informed decisions and engage in constructive dialogues, even in the face of contentious global issues. Mr Speaker, a wise man once asked, how do we know when the darkness of night becomes the light of day? Is it when we can see the sun? No, his answer was that darkness can only truly give way to light when we see the humanity in each other, when we can regard each other as a brother or a sister, despite our differences. Mr Speaker, this is a complex conflict, with a complex history. While we do not have a simple quick-fix solution to it, we can play our part by not complicating it even further. Here in Singapore, we need to make sure that we are always in the light of day – standing by our principles and regarding fellow Singaporeans regardless of our views as fellow Singaporeans. We must regard each other, of course, with respect, compassion and an acknowledgement of our kinship with each other as fellow citizens. May Singapore continue to stand as a shining example of tolerance and mutual understanding in our multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious community, a testament to the strength that emerges from our diversity. It is, therefore, important now, more than ever, that we uphold and protect this precious legacy, for it is the bedrock upon which our nation's peace and security is built.”
“It becomes imperative for us to recognise and address the potential toxicity that may seep into our own midst as a consequence. Perhaps, for many of us it is due to all too natural human instincts to be consumed by genuine concerns, influenced by our own religious affiliations, our relationships and our affinity as we digest the information flow in the news outlets and on the social media. Yet we must be restrained in how we react. We must appreciate that the social environment which we have built our society and our nation around that we must be vigilant against allowing these differences to fracture the unity of our diverse community. The Government's pledge to safeguard our multi-religious harmony remains unwavering. Members of the House, as representatives of our voters, it is therefore our duty to uphold these principles as well and ensure that our local relationships remain resilient, transcending the turbulence of global conflicts. We must unite at times like these, rather than seek to divide or seek political dividends. Let us not kid ourselves, all it takes is a cursory search and you will see that since the 7 October, online traffic and misinformation targeting Singapore and our local population has been on an exponential rise. Mr Speaker, we are at risk. In this vein, I have earlier in my PQs asked for the Home Affairs Ministry's assessment on the heightened risks to our social fabric and how we can better safeguard ourselves. We must also engage in an open and honest conversation about the situation which is why Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Zhulkarnain and myself have decided to propose this Motion for debate today.”
“Most recently, as I quoted earlier, the Emergency Session Resolution on 27 October 2023 in which we voted in favour of a resolution titled "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations". The resolution called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce, provision of essential supplies to civilians in Gaza and for Israel to rescind its evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip. Our Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Burhan, explained our support that despite registering our regret for the omissions in the said Motion as Singapore has "always been a consistent advocate and defender of international law, the UN Charter and the rules-based multilateral system". The full text of the EoV is in the documents that were circulated earlier. Moving back further, I would not go into the details, but this can be easily found in the UN Library 2017, 2011, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1997, even as far back as 1967 when the Israelis were extending support for our armed forces, we voted against the Israelis at the UN over matters of principles. By consistently casting our vote in alignment with those principles, we emphasise our unwavering stance on the importance of a negotiated two-state solution and the need for all parties to act within the bounds of international law. Mr Speaker, while this conflict may be geographically far away from us, with the ubiquity of social media, regional conflicts no longer remain confined to their immediate surrounds. They possess the potential to reverberate and touch us here even in Singapore, while we observe the unfolding tragedy from what seems like a safe distance. This reality underscores the profound impact that such conflicts can have on the fabric of our local community relations.”
“We, must therefore considering these two circumstances: Firstly, demand the cessation of terror attacks and the immediate safe release of all hostages by Hamas; and Secondly, that Israel, in its pursuit of a legitimate defence, ensure full adherence to the norms of humanitarian law in the conduct of war, and avoiding a collective punishment of a population. Thirdly, both sides are to ensure the safety and security as well as minimise the effect of conflict on all civilians and allow full access to humanitarian aid. Mr Speaker, Singapore's unwavering commitment to international law stands as a cornerstone of our foreign policy. We have consistently advocated for the adherence to established international legal norms and principles, and we are not hesitant to speak forthrightly even to our own close allies when we believe they have transgressed these said principles. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we stood in solidarity with Ukraine. We resolutely maintain that only through the collective respect for international law can rights and security of a small nation like ours be safeguarded. Over the years, Singapore has consistently voted in alignment with these principles and commitment to international law. We have taken a firm stance on numerous resolutions related to Israel and Palestine. There are some who imply that Singapore is biased in our support of one party in this conflict. Allow me to briefly recap the key occasions in which we have voted against a key ally in favour of peace and stability in the region in various UN General Assemblies over the past two decades.”
“Over 240 people have also been taken hostage by Hamas. This is a war crime under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, UN Resolution 34/146 International Convention against the Taking of Hostages and Article 8.2 of the ICC Statutes make it an offence as well. Israel has pursued a legitimate right to defend itself against an organisation whose expressed intent is the annihilation of Israel. However, with that right provided by international law to defend itself comes the same obligations with the conduct of war. Even as Israeli troops encircle Gaza City and late last night – they have divided Gaza into North and South Gaza – the death toll has risen to an as yet unverified 9,227, of which an estimated 40% are children, 65% if you include women. Proportionality, a dirty word in Israel at the moment, has come to mind. It is codified in the Geneva Conventions and is a core principle of international humanitarian law. Proportionality states that while it is recognised that in operations against military objectives, civilian casualties are sometimes unavoidable, it is however imperative that the various warring parties – states and non-state armed groups alike – take all possible measures to minimise losses amongst the civilian population. If it is feared that an attack will cause excessive, disproportionate collateral damage to the concrete and direct military advantage expected, it should be cancelled or interrupted.”
“Members would also be well acquainted with the broad context of the current hostilities which I would not go into. Some in this House would perhaps have also seen or watched the content that has emerged from the last four weeks with great alarm. Let me put it plainly: horrific, tragic, unfathomable and, on occasion, unforgiveable. As a parent, some of the images has left me stupefied and almost close to tears. It is not easy to watch and they were heart-rendering. Whatever your support for either side in this conflict, you would have to be so cold and unfeeling to deem any of it acceptable. To level such violence, barbarity, upon innocent civilians, especially children and the elderly, cannot be acceptable in any way or form. So, let us for a moment agree, that whatever our views on the conflict, that no civilian should be considered as a legitimate and deliberate target in any conflict. I therefore call upon Members to express our deepest condolences to all innocent victims and civilians in this conflict – both Israeli and Palestinian – as well as other citizens that have been caught up in this conflagration. We therefore need also to condemn those responsible for the terrorist acts and violations of international law. To call a spade a spade, what Hamas perpetrated on 7 October, is terrorism, plain and simple. The onslaught was to terrorise civilian targets and resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and foreigners, mostly civilian. Not since the Holocaust have so many Jewish lives been taken in a single day. This includes 260 people killed at a music festival in Re'im, mostly young people. Throw your mind back to the Manchester Arena bombing of May 2017. Now imagine that at the F1 Festival. Let that sink in.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move the following amendments: One, "After line 4, to insert a new part with the words 'Supports UN Resolution ES-10/21, which calls for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities'"; Two, "In line 5, the words 'and unhindered access to United Nations humanitarian agencies, the International Red Cross and other humanitarian organisations' be added at the end"; Three, "In line 7, after the word 'Calls', to delete the word 'for' and insert 'on'"; Four, "In line 7, after the words 'all parties to', to insert the following: 'comply fully with international humanitarian law, including to'"; Five, "In line 7, to delete 'including the release of all hostages' and insert 'release all hostages and minimise the effects of combat on the civilian population'"; and lastly, Six, "Consequential amendment to rename the current parts from (b) – (f) to (c) – (g)". Mr Speaker, as the hon Mr Vikram Nair has pointed out in his opening speech, we have updated our Motion to further reflect developments that have taken place since our original Motion was filed. This includes Singapore's vote in support of the UN Emergency Session Resolution ES-10/21, which calls for an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities. A copy of the said resolution has been distributed earlier for Members' reference. In the time since the original Motion was tabled, the situation on the ground has been fluid, with more bloodshed and accusations surfacing even as we speak right now. Members would be well aware of the complex historic background of the conflict. Mr Vikram Nair has given a concise summary in his speech earlier.”
“Yes, Mr Speaker. May I also seek Mr Speaker's agreement to distribute copies of the UN Resolution to be quoted in the same amendment as well as the Explanation of Vote by Singapore's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Burhan Gafoor?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, before I begin, with your permission, may I propose an amendment to the Motion, which has the agreement and support of my co-sponsors of the earlier Motion?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for that privilege. We have had a long five-and-a-half hour session today dealing with the contents of the report and we have also heard from both Ministers who have leased properties from SLA, as well as a comprehensive statement from the Prime Minister. Therefore, just one question for the Senior Minister. Based on the questions and views that were expressed during this very long, discussion and the clarifications, what, in the Senior Minister's opinion, are the key takeaways from the matters which have arisen in this House during these last few hours?”
“Thank you, Sir. I have one supplementary question. Understandably, of course, wakes are sensitive and emotional times for families. Therefore, also makes it difficult for agencies to enforce the guidelines, even with as much tact that is available, much less to remove the wreaths if they are any contraventions. It is also difficult for bereaved families to be able to advise well wishes not to send such wreaths beyond the advised number. Affected residents also understandably lean on agencies, such as the Town Council, to enforce what are advisories. I would like to ask therefore, as the LED wreaths are recent innovation and not part of an established culture and tradition, would the Ministry not consider a blanket ban on such wreaths, considering that disamenities and potential safety hazards that they may pose to the public?”
“Mr Speaker, two clarifications. In the incident in the United States (US), the access to the classified documents was by relatively low-ranking individuals within the service. How does the Ministry/SAF ensure that personnel who have access to classified documents in Singapore are properly and regularly vetted to prevent any leak of information? And how do the agencies continue to ensure that there is no untoward or unauthorised access, retention or removal of information, such as the incident that we saw in the US?”
“Speaker, first, allow me to thank the ICA frontliners on what is, perhaps, is going to be the busiest weekend this year, with an estimated two million to pass through our checkpoints for this Hari Raya weekend. I have two supplementary questions for the Minister. One, during the period of the glitch, was there any loss or breach of data detected? And as the disruption lasted over close to five hours, were there any instances of mis-clearance at immigration or security concerns during the incident itself? Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank the Member for the supplementary questions. There was no loss or breach of data during the incident. And in fact, ICA checks showed that there were no unusual activities found. With regard to mis-clearance, there were back-up processes in place, so that itself minimised the risk of mis-clearance. What we did was that we continued to verify the traveller's identity using the back-up system and also, just to be on the safe side, the ICA officers also did face-to-face checks with the passport for identification purposes.”
“Mr Chairman, for more than a decade, the hon Member Christopher de Souza and myself have been asking for a review of gestational limits for abortions in Singapore, as well as the provision of alternatives to the termination of pregnancies. While I am heartened that pre-termination mandatory counselling has been made mandatory since 2015, I repeat my call for gestational limits to be lowered to 22 weeks. Singapore is one of only seven countries at the moment that provide elective termination after 20 weeks and we see evidence of increasing foetal viability in recent years, with improvements in medical care. We can and we should make a move to lower the gestational limit to 22 weeks, as the science informs us. This is a signal for us, as a pro-family society as well. Let us do right by unborn children who do not have a choice to choose their chance at life. Egg Freezing Age Limit”
“In addition, what have been the advantages of the unified command so far and how will the DIS strengthen its work with the three other services and other security agencies to ensure that while we keep Singapore safe in the physical world, we also keep our citizens and our infrastructure safe in the digital one? Digital and Intelligence Service”
“Thank you, Mr Chairman. We are now living in the digital age. There is no denying that we are bound together in the metaverse. This poses great opportunities for the world economy but also great challenges and even in the field of security and defence, we are seeing more and more threats emerged online. The threats of the physical world are now, therefore, manifest in the digital battlefield. We have seen it in Ukraine with large scale online campaigns against Ukrainian, assets as well as those of their allies in Europe. In this vein, I applaud the foresight in forming the Digital and Intelligence Service, the fourth service of the SAF. With its formal beginning just three months ago on 28 Oct 2022, but with different parts of it already functioning before that, I would like to ask the Minister how has the progress been since its formation? What is the assessment of the Ministry of the current digital battle terrain and what threats have been prevented or disabled since the formation of the DIS? How does the DIS work in tandem with civilian agencies like CSA? And, how can the DIS bring ordinary citizens on board to play a part in improving cyber security? While the problems are digital, the solution still lies in the real world. What is the manpower situation for the DIS? For example, how has the take-up rate been for the NS Digital Work-Learn Scheme in partnership with NTU, which is due to start in April of this year? How will MINDEF encourage more to come on board DIS?”
“Mr Chairman, as mentioned by the hon Mr Vikram Nair, today marks the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an act that many did not believe would happen. It has tipped the world order on its head and underscored the importance of upholding international laws and frameworks and, of course, defending national sovereignty. Even by the lower UNHCR estimates, confirmed civilian casualties number over 8,006 killed, 13,287 injured, 7.6 million refugees and, almost 8 million internally displaced in Ukraine. This is a stark reminder for all of us in the world and especially for small states like ourselves. The global landscape is becoming more contested. It is therefore ever more critical to review our own plans and priorities in diplomacy and in defence. Regional powers are becoming more confident and assertive. How do we navigate relations with our neighbours while being acutely aware of the great power rivalry also playing out in our backyard? Threats and asymmetrical warfare have evolved as well. Growing digital threats, terrorism. As we continue to transform our SAF, we must be cognisant of the challenges of a shrinking population and its impact on our defence manpower, increase global spending on defence, especially in the region, and the need to maintain confidence and trust in the SAF. Therefore, I ask the Ministry for an update on the plans and priorities that we have put in place in light of the changes in the global order. Security and Access to Seas and Airspace”
“The world – commerce, communications and much of how we live our life – are now inextricably intertwined, bound together in the digital sphere. Into this mix, the murky underbelly of the real world has replicated itself into the digital one. Cyberthreats are now part of the digital landscape. Crime has taken a new form. From identity theft, scams, ransomware, malware to national security threats. Complexity of combatting cyberthreats cannot be underestimated. Singapore is an important node in this interconnected world. We are therefore a prime target, especially our critical information infrastructure (CII). We should focus on operational technology security, and it becomes ever more important and urgent for us to do so, to shelter our CII from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. I therefore ask the Ministry, what threats have been detected and stopped during the past year? What is the Government doing to strengthen and protect our digital systems and how our citizens can also play our part in helping in that process? 4.15 pm Unlocking Opportunities with SNDGG”
“From nothingness, our unexpected nation has made tremendous progress from third world to first. Because we have walked as one people, one Singapore, COVID-19, our most recent challenge, has seen us at our best. People coming together to help each other through a crisis like no other. Was it a perfect journey? Certainly not. This is not utopia, after all. But, we have done well. Our common struggle and heart for each other proves that this is a nation worth fighting for. Challenges will continue to come our way. There is no doubt about that. How we perform will depend on whether we act as one nation, or as a people divided unto ourselves. We have succeeded and will continue to succeed because we act as one – people and Government together, people and people together. There is no binary Singapore – one versus another. Regardless of our backgrounds or stations in life, the Singaporean way has been one where we all play our part in co-creating a home that we call our own. This is not a tale of two cities. We must not underestimate Singaporeans and our ability to stand united as one, especially in the face of crisis and challenges. This Government stands with Singaporeans, all Singaporeans. This year's Budget themed as "Charting Our New Way Forward Together" re-emphasises that. The indomitable spirit of Singaporeans has stood the test of time. That same spirit of endeavour, hard work, unity and common aspiration will carry us onwards. That is the Singapore Way. [Applause.]”
“But I see less sense in increasing taxes for a product with inelastic demand and users that are less likely to change their behaviour. Therefore, we should take a bolder move to undertake a generational break and ban sales to the next cohort of youths, such as adopted by New Zealand. While the current increase will still raise much needed, not-that-high revenue, I do not believe that the current tax increase will change smoker behaviour. The second issue has to do with property tax increase. While not part of this year's announcement, the impact is being felt this year. Retirees in owner-occupied properties are experiencing increases, with rising house values and increasing rentals prices, many properties purchased decades ago are now seeing much higher Annual Value (AV). Those we broadly refer to as "asset rich, cash poor" are affected. Some have said they feel it unfair, they worked hard to buy their own home decades ago but have to pick up a higher tab because of economic progress. True, we could encourage them to sell and monetise, but often, these decisions are not just economic ones, they are emotive ones as well: they have raised a family here, they have grown up here, they have lived here all their lives. So, what can we do to help those who are truly affected by the increase? Will there be a review of this in the future? Last of all, Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to turn to the singular focus of why we do what we do in this august Chamber. Our Singapore. We have had a remarkable journey for close to six decades, one that we hope will continue onwards and upwards. As one people, we have traversed through challenges and much difficulties. Difficulties that could have easily overwhelmed us in our nascent days.”
“And if the Minister for Finance would indulge me as well, even if we do adopt all of these, we should continue with Singapore's very generous Baby Bonus system. The second issue I would like to raise today has to do with death and taxes. Two Finance Ministers ago, I characterised the Budget 2015, which was announced by then-Senior Minister Tharman at the time, with Beyoncé's lyrics, "to the left, to the left". Mr Deputy Speaker, I am not about to sing another song, but this Budget has been described by some analysts as, perhaps, the most distributive in recent years. A number of good things have been said about it by residents and friends that I have met since its delivery on 14 February 2023, but there are murmurings of disquiet in some areas, two of which I would raise today. The first is the tobacco tax. The one announcement that raises the most heckles in our "kopi tiams" is the increased tobacco tax. Based on latest available statistics, smoking prevalence is now around 10%, down from a higher 16% earlier this decade. While increase may help encourage some already intent on quitting to accelerate the move, the impact may be muted. Many of those who are affected by this increase are older, blue-collar workers. The 2018 price hike, based on surveys, saw no discernable drop in sales. People eventually get used to the price increase. Thus, the increase may drive more towards: one, illicit products such as vaping, less "healthier" choice, I am using inverted commas, like unfiltered rolled cigarettes. And these will have the opposite health outcomes of what we are trying to achieve. Please do not get me wrong, I would prefer to eradicate tobacco.”