Ng Eng Hen
Singapore
“I think we try to keep this virtuous state of affairs as long as we can to make sure that we can invest steadily. Year-to-year fluctuations would occur, whether it is economic, not so much in COVID-19, but remember the Global Financial Crisis? Everybody needs to take a haircut. If you have to take a haircut, you have to take a haircut.”
“Mr Chairman, as the World around us becomes more unpredictable and changes, the more we need to keep the strongest commitment to strengthen our own defences and, if needed, we must be willing to do more. Singapore celebrates 60 years of Independence this year.”
“MINDEF will continue to work with partners to encourage Singaporeans to raise their digital literacy, develop and maintain good cybersecurity habits, protect sensitive data and guard against scams, fake news and disinformation so as to make the digital domain a safer and more secure space.”
“The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducts regular mobilisation exercises (MOBEX) of our National Service (NS) forces. In a silent mobilisation, NSmen are notified through their personal contact numbers. Open mobilisations include the broadcast of unit code-words through mass media.”
“In 2020, the Ministry of Defence replied to a Parliamentary Question on this matter that the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) would likely occur around 2030 or beyond, after Changi Air Base and Tengah Air Base have been expanded to house the existing assets at PLAB.”
“When incidents or near-misses happen, as it did where one Hunter armoured fighting vehicle rear-ended another during Exercise Wallaby in Australia, thorough investigations are conducted and lessons learnt shared across the units.”
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“MINDEF takes a serious view of this case. Cheating goes against the core values of the SAF. Every serviceman is expected to uphold a high standard of integrity and those caught cheating in the IPPT are punished. While IPPT is an individual responsibility, SAF commanders must lead by example and their units shoulder the collective responsibility to maintain fitness and performance. Officers and warrant officers caught cheating are no longer fit to command and can have their ranks removed. In the cases involving cheating of IPPT, the NSmen had handed over their identity card to the impersonator to use to enter the camp and take the IPPT. Facial checks are conducted at entry points by sentry guards, but subject to human error, especially when large numbers are processed during IPPT sessions. The SAF acknowledges this lapse and verification measures have since been stepped up at the camp gate and IPPT registration counter and stations. But the more secure system is to utilise technology to reduce human error. To strengthen security of entry into SAF camps, biometric fingerprinting has been progressively introduced since 2015. By 2018, all personnel, including NSmen taking their IPPT there, will be required to undergo biometric fingerprinting to enter into SAF camps.”
“Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are medical skills that are important both during SAF training and in operations. During Basic Military Training (BMT), all recruits are trained in basic first aid. Since September 2010, they are also trained in CPR and the use of AED. In addition, servicemen deployed as instructors in SAF Training Institutes and in medical vocations undergo regular CPR and AED training. Operationally-ready NSmen in medical vocations are also required to attend CPR and AED training during their in-camp training. SAF's CPR and AED training programme is accredited by the National Resuscitation Council.”
“The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is working with the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board to credit the CPF amount payable to servicemen who had received the Full Savings Vesting Bonus (FSVB). In accordance with the CPF guidelines, the total amount credited will include the interest that could have been earned if the CPF contributions had been made at the time of the FSVB payment.”
“In fact, it was when US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter visited the imagery analyst team here that had come back, he personally thanked them because it was their work that allowed a particular terrorist bank that got disrupted, that reduced the means for them to finance global terrorism. So, those will be the key considerations. We want to make a difference and it must make a difference to Singapore's security directly.”
“Madam, our overall assessment when requests are made is, first, to see whether Singapore has a direct interest that we should be contributing to. And, in this case, it is obvious. As I said, remember, in Al Qaeda, there were also plots against us. And the source of that motivation, radicalisation, induction and actual resources provided, if not in know-how, manpower and money, finance from abroad. So, it is to our direct interest and our security interests. And I think that should be the predominant decision. As to how we can contribute, it depends on the circumstances. We would like to contribute to make sure that we make a difference; not a token difference, but a real difference. And if our contributions in Afghanistan can be compared with, we made a difference. We made a difference in Uruzgan when we provided personnel to tend to both the troops as well as the residents in Afghanistan through a hospital. I visited it. It was a very good hospital and they were actually tending to civilian injuries, both children and adults. Our imagery analyst teams made a difference because we could disrupt cells. So, that was actually part of, if you like, what we call the tooth, not the tail. That is not combat support, but we are actually making a difference. Our weapons locating radar made a big difference. When bombs in Afghanistan where we were deployed were shot at, our troops and other coalition troops, many people depended on our Weapons Locating Radar to give them the three seconds to duck for cover. And it made a big difference. So, we will try to continue to make significant contributions. For our current deployment, coalition partners have said that they valued our KC135R tankers. They have valued our imagery analysts.”
“More recently, the coalition has identified an added need and asked SAF for medical support to coalition forces in Iraq. SAF has, therefore, agreed to deploy a medical support team to address the healthcare needs and medical triage of coalition troops and local residents in Iraq. This is not the first time that SAF has deployed a medical team for overseas operations. Members here will recall that SAF also sent medical teams to Afghanistan between 2008 and 2011. We were there to support stabilisation operations. In a similar way, our deployment in Iraq will augment existing coalition medical resources. Through this deployment, our personnel will also gain good operational experience. The exact size, composition and capabilities of the medical support team will be determined after our Needs Assessment and Survey Team has assessed the situation. The deployment is expected to take place in 2017 for around three months. Soldiers from our Army Deployment Force will also be deployed to provide force protection for our medical team. The threat posed by terrorism is a long-term one and the campaign against ISIS will not end quickly. As the fight against ISIS evolves, we will continue to assess the relevance and effectiveness of our contributions and work with our partners to determine how Singapore can best contribute.”
“They were working with Bahrun Naim, who is an Indonesian fighting for ISIS in Syria, who is also believed to have masterminded the attack in Jakarta early this year. It is, therefore, clear that ISIS, even from thousands of kilometres away in Iraq and Syria, poses a direct threat to Singapore's security here. From our region alone, we would do well to remember that about 1,000 Southeast Asians have joined ISIS. In Singapore, there are presently 20 persons in detention, one on Suspension Direction and 22 others on Restriction Orders for terrorism-related activities. It is not a small problem. For every terror plot we foil and would-be terrorist we arrest, we must assume that there will be more plots and more terror cells searching for new means to penetrate our defences and do harm to Singaporeans, as Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee pointed out. These developments underscore the harsh fact that the battle against jihadi terrorism will be a long-term challenge. It has been 15 years since the fight against Al Qaeda began. It may take just as long against ISIS, if not longer. Singapore, as with the rest of the world, will have to adjust, even as we are determined to carry on with our lives in facing these waves of global terror. Dr Lim Wee Kiak has asked for an update and let me provide that. Singapore has been contributing to the counter-ISIS coalition since December 2014. We have deployed a liaison officer to the United States (US) Central Command Headquarters, and an intelligence planner and an Imagery Analysis Team to the Combined Joint Task Force which is headquartered in Kuwait. Our KC-135R tanker aircraft has also supported the coalition's air-to-air refuelling operations, and our coalition partners have found our deployments useful and valuable.”
“Madam, in January this year, I informed this House about the clear and present threat of terrorism. I said that "so long as terrorist organisations can influence and induct others to their cause and do their bidding, no country is safe", and this is the reason why the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has joined other partners to combat the spread of terrorism at its source – for the SAF, first, by deploying troops in Afghanistan against Al Qaeda and now in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). By contributing to international efforts against jihadi terrorists, we are contributing to our own security. Since then, efforts by the multinational coalition have weakened ISIS militarily in Iraq and Syria. The coalition is working towards capturing Mosul in Iraq and isolating Al-Raqqa in Syria, in order to dismantle ISIS' presence in these countries. So, as a rough measure, since the start of operations, ISIS has lost more than 40% of the populated territory it once held in Iraq, and around 20% of its territory in Syria. But despite this weakened position, ISIS supporters have been able to carry out over 20 attacks in countries across the Middle East, Europe, North America and Southeast Asia over the past months. I think many of us are horrified by the attacks that have occurred. We remember the one in Nice, France, on Bastille Day, which killed 84 people; a hostage siege in a cafe in Dhaka that saw 23 people dead. Nearer home, a grenade attack at a nightclub in Puchong that injured eight. And just a few days ago, Indonesian authorities arrested six suspects who were planning attacks on Singapore by using rockets launched from Batam against targets in Marina Bay.”
“The SAF is a microcosm of Singapore society as we enlist males for full-time National Service and In-Camp Training thereafter. The incidence of mental health conditions among NSFs is about 4% and is lower than the 7% national incidence of Singaporeans aged 18-34, reported in a 2012 study by the Institute of Mental Health3. Many factors can predispose an individual to mental health problems which include individual, familial and relationship factors and may not be related to his place of work or service. Whatever the cause, the SAF's goal is to ensure the mental and physical well-being of its servicemen through a multi-prong approach. Training is conducted for commanders to enhance their understanding of mental health problems, so that they can better identify and manage servicemen with such problems which include referral to trained professionals. Servicemen with known mental health conditions before enlistment are monitored and provided with counselling and medical treatment. There are also dedicated psychologists at the formation level. In addition, servicemen can call a 24-hour SAF Counselling Hotline whenever they need help. Compensation for injuries, both mental and physical, sustained in the course of service follows closely the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) but is generally more generous in amounts paid. Medical expenses incurred for the treatment of the condition at Government and restructured hospitals or clinics are also paid as long as treatment is required, even after the serviceman has left service. Page: 96”
“The ban on smoking within SAF camps and bases is not new. In fact, even before the Smoking Prohibition Act, SAF has, since 1993, administratively restricted smoking for its servicemen to designated smoking points, known as "Yellow Boxes", which are situated away from main thoroughfares and walkways. This prohibition was enforced with errant offenders punished accordingly. The recent inclusion of SAF camps and bases under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act formalised an existing and long-standing administrative restriction under national law. The only change with this inclusion is that the SAF can now also provide particulars of civilians who violate the smoking prohibitions in our camps and bases to the NEA for possible enforcement actions.”
“Madam, I am very pleased to hear that the Member will champion issues for all religions.”
“But fresh rations sometimes are served in the field. So, there are all these instances. The SAF is a complex machinery. And I think our overall point is: where we can, we will lean forward as with the rest of the society, but always with the understanding that the SAF's needs and operational concerns must come first. There may be individual sacrifices that we make, but we deploy based on merit as well as commitment.”
“Madam, a point of order. The Member is quoting me and I do not know what he is quoting. If he can show what I actually said in the conference or at the meeting, I am more than happy to accommodate what I said. But I think there is a larger point. Mr Faisal Manap says he does not need to be reminded that we are a multiracial, multi-religious society. But he is only championing in his speech for Muslims. Senior Minister of State Maliki made it clear that if each of us in this House – Muslims champion Muslims, Christians champion Christians, Buddhists champion Buddhists – we have never pushed for each group to fully push for their rights, for their observances. I think Senior Minister of State Maliki was very clear: where it is practicable, we will lean forward; the SAF, as with the rest of society. So, in camps where there is adequate space, as Members know, we have Muslim cookhouses, vegetarian food is served. But we made it clear that, for the Navy, that space is always a premium. We have answered the Member's questions fairly. But there is a larger point in this: what is the tone of the society, the tone of the SAF? Because in the SAF, I draw from all Singaporeans. I have people who do not eat beef. I have people with religious observances, apart from Muslims. I have vegetarians. Where we can, we will accommodate. But the overriding principle must be that the SAF's operational concerns must come first, and individual needs sometimes must subsume under that. Where we can, we will accommodate. I am certain that there are situations where I cannot please all, accommodate all requirements. I cannot, hand on heart, assure you that all my mobile kitchens are halal. And sometimes, if we can, we will offer combat rations which are halal, which are pre-prepared.”
“Madam, if I can provide a simple structure. The national coordinating agency for Singapore and whole-of-Government is the CSA. Its task remit is to secure, if you like, the cyber environment for the whole-of-Government. Whole-of-Government also includes the private sector. For instance, CSA engages key clusters. The financial cluster is key; transport, power, and so on and so forth. That is its remit. And it is structured under PMO. For the SAF, we are responsible for cybersecurity of our own military networks to make sure that we can conduct a defence – there are some things that I would not tell you – but we can conduct our defence. We are not dependent on your networks.”
“They would have been inadequate to deal with non-traditional security challenges – natural disasters or hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks or terrorism. But as Members have pointed out, the spectrum of today's threats continues to widen and evolve and the SAF must adapt. Let me share what the SAF is doing to respond decisively. With your permission, Mdm Chairman, let me display an infographic on the screens to show how SAF is stepping up for counter-terrorism.”
“According to this doctrine, the aggressor targets a specific country or countries and undertakes a long-term campaign to undermine the civil, economic, social, psychological and military defences. That is equivalent to our Total Defence. For example, ISIS employs hybrid warfare skilfully and exploits social media in sophisticated ways to target the young and innocent. Even online games, which seemingly are innocent, are used to socialise youngsters to their cause, and the shocking propaganda videos of beheadings and burning people go viral and attract more sympathisers. Members have talked about cyberattacks. Cyber attacks are integral parts of hybrid warfare. Last December, unidentified hackers attacked Ukraine's power grid and disrupted electricity to a large part of the country for hours. Just imagine our power grid is down, traffic lights are out, power stations fail – you can gut out the country quite easily. Adversaries can, therefore, cripple key operating systems of target countries, steal their state and people's secrets, invade the hearts and minds of their people, all without stepping foot onto their soil. Singapore is particularly susceptible to hybrid threats because we are an open economy and connected to the world. Members here have asked how the SAF should respond in this new normal of troubled peace. I am glad to say that there was foresight in leaders in MINDEF and the SAF to have identified these broad challenges more than a decade ago. It was, as Mr Cedric Foo pointed out, that the previous SAF construct could not have addressed this wider spectrum of threats decisively because the previous structures of the SAF, as Members here know, centred on combined arms within the Army, with a competent Air Force and Navy.”
“The US, the world's most wealthy democracy with the largest and most capable military, can perhaps take that line and live with the consequences, if something goes wrong. But for Singapore, a little red dot in the middle of a region with extremist threats, rising nationalism and strategic rivalry, we should guard against the worst and prepare ahead. Indeed, some scholars and even world leaders have suggested that the face of "war" has already changed and is upon us. According to them, unlike in the past when wars were fought in specific localities, today's conflicts are increasingly borderless, and occur wave after wave. So, against extremism, first there was AQ, 9/11. That was weakened. Now, ISIS. But if ISIS is defeated, I believe another group will rise to take its place. It may not be in Iraq or Syria but there is a host of failed states that an extremist group can gain a geographical foothold in and take the resources, whether it is Libya or other countries. In cyberattacks and biological pandemics, ground-zero can be anywhere. We were worried about bird flu in Indonesia; for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), it was in some parts of the world; Zika virus in some countries; it can arise anywhere and spread very far quickly. This troubled peace, according to this new narrative, is the new normal in our globalised world. Mr Zaqy Mohamad talked about hybrid warfare that is ongoing. Indeed, it is the antithesis of Total Defence. And if you think about it, that generation was prescient and very clever in launching Total Defence – this was more than 30 years ago – because hybrid warfare is an orchestrated campaign to weaken and fracture the solidarity of a target nation. It is no laughing matter because it is actually being practised.”
“00 pm But even as our population ages and social spending increases, we must maintain steady defence spending because that is the most effective way to stretch every defence dollar. It allows us to plan long term. It allows us to avoid disruptive changes from fluctuating expenditures. It is very difficult, as Mr Sapari has pointed out, and other countries have discovered, to suddenly wake up and say, "Oh, I need a stronger defence because the threats have gone worse" and then quickly expect to build a strong defence. It will be too little, too late. This PAP Government will continue to invest wisely and spend prudently on defence. For MINDEF, we buy only what the SAF needs, and after a robust and stringent evaluation process. We do not go around shopping for expensive or highly sophisticated stuff. We adopt the most cost-effective solution, looking clearly at what we need. And our first preference is to upgrade existing platforms, if we can do it. For example, like the F-16s, we are going to upgrade them. We only buy new equipment if Singapore needs them to maintain that defence edge. Some Members have asked how I see our defence expenditure going forward. Our defence expenditure has roughly kept pace with inflation, growing by about 4% annually in nominal terms over the past decade. I expect to maintain the same trajectory in the longer term, but we have to watch inflation and see if there is deflation or lower rise of inflation. Sometimes, it does not get passed on to the equipment we buy so quickly. So, we have to observe. Is this era of troubled peace hyped up? Some have said so. Some have questioned: do we really need that kind of defence?”
“But with more capable militaries, miscalculations or missteps can precipitate serious tensions and even physical conflicts. As we look around and look at our security challenges, this troubled peace around us reaffirms our policy on steady and prudent defence spending. Mr Zainal Sapari asked about this, as well as Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef. I want to thank Members from all parties here – Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) included – for their steadfast support for the defence budgets over the years. Together, Members in this House were wise not to have taken short periods of peace for granted. As some Members have pointed out, Singapore, too, could have gone down the path of European countries to reap our own "peace dividend" because the threat of communism had waned and we see ASEAN progressing. But if we had been so lulled into that complacent mood and under-invested in defence capabilities, then, just like countries, such as Finland or the Baltic states, I think we would have regretted it now and rushed to catch up. But we avoided spikes or dips in our defence spending and maintained a strong SAF. The next decade would not be easy for Singapore. In fact, I believe that the next few decades will pose to Singapore its greatest challenge since our Independence. We have never had a situation where our factors of production are on the decline and our needs are going up. Even in the 1960s and 1970s, when our needs were going up, we reaped our demographic dividend. But in 2030, we will have nearly one million people above 65 years old, our workforce is declining and our social spending needs to go up. 2.”
“And you would remember that, in Vietnam, they held protests and burned down foreign-owned factories, meaning to target Chinese-owned factories. Unfortunately, some Taiwanese factories also got burnt. They could not differentiate. They hear them speak in Mandarin, and so, they got burnt. Just recently, the Vietnamese coast guard seized a Chinese oil tanker allegedly operating in Vietnam's waters. And for the first time ever − if you have not noticed this − a Japanese submarine arrived in Cam Ranh International Port. It called in Vietnam last month for the first time. An example closer to home: the Indonesian Government has also taken a hard stance against illegal fishing in its EEZ. Since President Joko Widodo took office in 2014, Indonesia has confiscated and destroyed approximately 150 foreign fishing boats. Just last month, there was a standoff between the Chinese coast guard and an Indonesian patrol vessel. Indonesia has since announced plans to deploy fighter jets to the Natuna Islands. And supposedly, as a show of strength, military ships of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) are used to blow up these merchant vessels. It is not the most cost-effective solution. Military munitions cost more but, as a show of strength, they will use TNI to blow up the vessels. As we observed, these incidents are occurring at an increasing regularity. We have to remember that they occur against the backdrop of Asia's highest military spending ever. In fact, collectively, Asia has spent more on its defence than Europe, in absolute dollars, since 2012. We have exceeded Europe. Rising nationalism and improving economies have fuelled many Asian countries to spend larger and larger sums to modernise their militaries. In itself, this is not wrong.”
“Only a foolish and complacent government will provide that false sense of security. Instead, we must step up our defences, bring our citizens into confidence and, more importantly, confront this threat and prepare to deal with the aftermath together. I will elaborate on how SAF will respond to this. But even as we ask Singaporeans to prepare ourselves to deal with extremist threats, let me just say that we must be mindful, at the same time, of the trajectory of state-to-state relations surrounding us. As Members have pointed out, the disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea are increasing. They are symptomatic of a more powerful dynamic of strategic rivalry and rising nationalism. This state of flux, different from post-World War II, different from the Cold War, is creating tension. This dynamic will stress existing military cooperation and alliances; it will stress international agreements or laws, even the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Let me give a few examples to illustrate what I mean. On a regular basis, Japanese fighter jets scramble in response to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) military aircraft that enter Japan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The PLA planes are flying into disputed airspace around the Diao Yu/Senkaku Islands. So, the Japanese would have to respond, and they scramble. It is a common occurrence. Let me give Members a second example. The largest overlap in the South China Sea claims is between Vietnam's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and China's "nine dash line". Members would recall that just two years ago, Vietnamese and Chinese vessels clashed over an oil rig in the South China Sea.”
“In addition, we know that they have linked up with existing cells, like the JI offshoot, Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid, and Abu Sayyaf. Greater means, as I said. Second, ISIS has motive. In our region, ISIS has declared its mission to establish a wilayat, a "caliphate", and Katibah Nusantara is leading the charge. This central ideology of a Southeast Asian "caliphate" binds Islamic militants who have already set up training camps in Sulawesi, Aceh and in the Southern Philippines. Even the Uighurs are known to have joined a training camp in Sulawesi, led by the Indonesian militant, Santoso. I am not sure what the tenuous connections had been previously between militants in Indonesia and the Uighurs, but here, you have it − that ideology binds them together. In this narrative, Singapore is an attractive target. Last year, Dabiq − "Dabiq" is an English-language newsletter published by ISIS − named Singapore among the "enemies of the Islamic State" and called on followers to wage jihad against us. Third, ISIS has opportunity. Every shopping mall, every crowded place is an opportunity for violent extremists to target innocent civilians and cause as much suffering and mayhem as possible. ISIS operatives and sympathisers, especially what we call "clean skins" – those with no prior criminal record – can travel and smuggle components of arms and explosives. Changi Airport received over 55 million passengers last year, and many more crossed land and sea checkpoints of Singapore. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stepped up security checks, but the terrorists only need to succeed once. Under these circumstances, can Singapore – or, for that matter, any city – guarantee its residents that no extremist attack will occur? I think the answer is an obvious one.”
“Threat levels for Singapore from ISIS are higher than those posed by Al-Qaeda (AQ) and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) when they were active. So, if you would like a simple number, what Al-Qaeda was able to attract − both sympathisers and operatives − in the last 10 years, ISIS has already exceeded the number in the last three years. So, our assessment is that the threat levels from ISIS are higher than that from AQ and JI. Let me explain our reasons for this assessment. First, ISIS has greater means. ISIS controls territories and oil fields in Iraq and Syria from which they can draw resources to fund tens of thousands of fighters and further its goals. ISIS even uses drones for its operations, like a military. In fact, they are a military. They can orchestrate and coordinate attacks far away, as they did in Paris, Brussels or even near us, Jakarta. Their tentacles can reach far. Just this week, the Malaysian Police revealed that ISIS had allocated around S$100,000 to Katibah Nusantara − a network that Mr Vikram Nair pointed out. It is a Malay Archipelago Combat Unit, and ISIS had given them S$100,000 to finance terrorist attacks and bombings in Southeast Asia. ISIS operatives and sympathisers have already formed networks in our region, as some Members have observed. In the past year, close to a thousand people from Southeast Asia have travelled to Iraq and Syria to join the fight, including Singaporeans. And more have been radicalised without even travelling to the Middle East. Most recently, Members would have read that four Singaporeans were prevented from joining the armed conflicts in the Middle East. As Members have pointed out, returning fighters will bring back their extremist ideology, share their experience in weapons, explosives and actual fighting.”
“Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef noted that we live in an interconnected world. And, indeed, what happens in some other part of the world, many Members have said that it occurs very far away but comes closer to home, as Mr Zainal Sapari said, whether it is terrorism or technological warfare. And as Mr Vikram Nair noted, there have been numerous developments recently in the South China Sea, more terrorist attacks, and a sophisticated cyberattack involving the US Federal Reserve. Members have asked key questions − Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Pritam Singh, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Mr Low Thia Khiang, Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef, Ms Low Yen Ling, Mr Cedric Foo and Mr Zainal Sapari. In summary, they asked: what are the main security threats to Singapore and how significant are they when compared to previous years? How is the SAF responding to these threats? How can we keep Singapore and Singaporeans safe? How prepared are we? These are all important questions that can change our lives here irrevocably. I agree completely with Mr Zainal Sapari when he said that the consequences of failure will be great. So, I intend to answer these questions in the course of this reply for the Committee of Supply (COS). First, terrorism. The clear and present threat upon us is terrorism. As of now, there is no specific intelligence of any imminent plot against Singapore, but the general assessment by our intelligence agencies indicates that almost all cities are likely targets, including Singapore. Members here already know of attacks in other cities in the past 18 months – Paris, Sydney, San Bernardino, Istanbul, Bangkok, Jakarta, Brussels and, most recently, Lahore. A few months later, you may have to add more cities to that list.”
“Mdm Chair, first, let me thank the many Members who have highlighted the security challenges that confront Singapore today. I think they have made their points eloquently, many valid points and accurate observations. Collectively, they bring home this truth that as much as all of us want peace, work for greater cooperation and understanding among countries, neither the world nor the region we live in is Utopia; that each generation of Singaporeans will face threats, and each generation will have to renew their commitment to protect what they value or lose it; that we can only depend on ourselves to defend Singapore; that we will need to work with other like-minded partners to deal with potential troubles along the way. Singapore and Singaporeans will have to gear up for "troubled peace" in this new era after SG50. Each generation of Singaporeans will have to confront their own security threats. The founding generation, as Mr Vikram Nair pointed out, did not have it easy. Indeed, the 1960s and 1970s, as he said, were tumultuous times in Asia and, especially, for Southeast Asia. Whether it was Konfrontasi or the ideological battles against communism and communalism, these contests often led to violence or subversion. And because Southeast Asian states were newly-minted nations in the 1960s and 1970s, only recently freed from their colonial past, individual nations were more preoccupied with their national agendas, rather than cooperating as a region. 1.45 pm Geopolitics today has improved, and we talked about ASEAN. ASEAN is an accepted regional community in international dynamics. ASEAN has good growth and strong relations with other countries. But despite this progress, as Members have said, challenges exist.”
“There is always a balance to maintain. The Member says, "Why not lift it from training?" You can train at one place and expect your security forces to ramp up their capabilities when in real operations. There is a saying, "If you don't sweat in training, you will spill blood in real operations." You have to make your training realistic so that when they meet those circumstances – like the guard who fired at the car and stopped the car in time. Do you think you can get that level of proficiency if they think they are not protected during training? This is something for the House to debate and for Singaporeans to decide. To be fair, other countries have done away with it and many of them have regretted it. There is always a balance. For this case, it is tragic, it is unexpected, it is unintended, full processes were complied with. If the Member feels that other aspects can be looked at, he can raise it. I have looked at the facts very carefully. I think we have done right by everyone. We are, of course, sad, but we need still to do what is right for the entire system.”
“They were not sure of the facts, possible bomb explosion because despite all the concrete barricades, a car had attempted to rush through the concrete barricade. What do you do if you were in charge; if you are meant to secure the place? You think, "Well, I am not protected if I make a mistake." Our Home Team did the right thing. And I said so in my Facebook post after that; I commended them. Think of the consequences. In this case, the facts came out subsequently. It was a drug offence-related incident. For whatever reasons, they were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. How do the guards know? Suppose it was an explosive in the trunk of the car, gone through the barricades, crashed into the hotel. The loss of lives, the loss of reputation, the loss of confidence in our ability. You want to give our security forces the confidence that when they do their job and when they do it without recklessness or negligence, that the Government Proceedings Act protects them. This is not the place to fully discuss this. As I have said, if the Member feels strongly, he can put up a Motion. Central to the question is what the Member talked about – moral hazard. There is less of a moral hazard because the SAF Servicemen know that if they act in a rash and negligent way, they are not protected. I have shown you the examples. The AGC can prosecute them in the criminal Courts. If you look at the cases that have been prosecuted, they have gone to jail. I have cited two; there are others. It does not give us joy when there is a fatality and our Servicemen go to jail. Because we know that they were trying to do the job, yet, somewhat enthusiastic. We send a signal that this is wrong and they get on with their lives after that. They are discharged from service.”
“Mdm Speaker, the Member has asked about the punishment in terms of delays in promotions. I do not have the full slate of details, but the general rule is the punishment must match the offence. The Member is a lawyer. So, it is quite self-evident that there are equivalents to determine the level of culpability, the severity of the offence and the delays in promotions and fines are commensurate. I presume that in law, in the Courts, they have to stack it against a whole range of offences that makes sense as an overall system. I have tried to give one measure in which the delay in promotion amounted to half the annual salary. The Member has asked about the Proceedings Act. That is something which, if the Member feels strongly about, he can put up a Motion to amend the Act. The nub of the issue is this: how much protection should we give to our security forces when they are doing their job? The Member gave examples. Members can think of their own. A policeman chasing a potential suspect whom he thinks is going to commit harm, discharges a firearm, hits someone else. If our military officer or military Servicemen who now make patrols in Changi Airport and Jurong Island, and if they see a significant threat, and they are tasked to protect that place or island, do they discharge the firearm? Do they stop the person? Or will they hold back, thinking, "If I make a wrong decision, then, I am on my own." And there is a civil suit; not trivial. Think about what happened at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Twenty-eight defence ministers in that hotel; either defence ministers or deputy defence ministers. I went to Shangri-La Dialogue that year, early in the morning, 7.00 am, my car was diverted. They said, "Possible incident".”
“We feel very sad for them for their great loss. My personal prayers go to the family for peace and comfort, even as they continue to deal with this difficult and tragic loss of a loved one.”
“We have been using this type of smoke grenade for over 30 years and hundreds of thousands of soldiers have been exposed to it and this is our first and only case. Unfortunately, there is no reliable test recommended by health experts to diagnose allergy to zinc chloride. After the safety review following this case, SAF switched to alternatives which do not release zinc chloride fumes. We did that in March 2014. While SAF has decided to do so, let me point out that there is no safety requirement internationally that precludes the use of such smoke grenades. Indeed, other militaries, as I have said, continue to use it and this underscores the fact that allergy to zinc chloride is rare so that the militaries have chosen to continue their use and accept that risk. Mdm Speaker, this is a tragic loss of life, unexpected and unintended. The two SAF officers involved will carry with them the pain of this incident for the rest of their lives. But I do not believe that they started that fateful day intending at all to harm the soldiers under their charge. These are not the values of our SAF commanders. But regardless of their intent, over the course of an open inquiry where the family was present, all the findings presented, the Coroner's Inquiry (CI) did not find that their actions were reckless and negligent, but that the allergic reaction was "unlikely to have been predicted". Therefore, AGC decided that the officers would not be prosecuted in criminal Courts. As sad and tragic as this incident has been, we must do right for all involved. I feel very sad for the family members of PTE Lee and I know that all Members here feel that. Some of us have experienced losing a loved one and we can feel and empathise with the pain losing someone so young in his life.”
“AGC informed the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to consider taking disciplinary action against the Servicemen who had breached Training Safety Regulations (TSR). If there were sufficient grounds to deem the Servicemen criminally liable for PTE Lee's death, they would have been prosecuted in the criminal Courts, as the AGC had done in previous cases cited above. Following the AGC's decision not to prosecute, the two SAF officers were charged under military law in November 2013 for breaching safety regulations. They were also punished with penalties consistent with other Servicemen who have committed similar offences, through fines and delay in promotion. Both officers have suffered a setback in their careers. The monetary cost of the promotion delays is significant, amounting to about half of their total annual salaries. For MINDEF and SAF, when training incidents occur, we have to rely on our judicial system to determine the facts and mete out the appropriate punishment where required. It would be wrong and unfair to punish SAF Servicemen beyond the level of offence committed which has been determined by independent and impartial judicial processes. The level of punishment has to take into account the Coroner's findings that PTE Lee's fatal allergic reaction was unlikely to have been predicted. Let me give Members some details about allergy to zinc chloride – the cause of death for PTE Lee. Allergy to zinc chloride from smoke grenades is known but rare, which is why till today, many militaries still use this type of smoke grenade, including the US military and the Republic of Korea. In the SAF's own history, we have been using this type of smoke grenades. Members of the House here who had done NS would have tested it.”
“SAF fully accepts these judicial processes and, indeed, deems them necessary so that our SAF Servicemen are held accountable for their actions. All these processes were applied in the tragic death of the late Private (PTE) Lee Rui Feng Dominique Sarron. In the case of PTE Lee, which the Member has asked about, Mdm Speaker, a Coroner's Inquiry was held in August 2013. The death occurred in 2012. The Coroner's Inquiry is an open hearing, accessible to the public and the media. The family of the late PTE Lee and their legal counsel were also present and were given opportunities to address any questions that they might have relating to PTE Lee's death to the Court. They were also allowed to pose questions to the two SAF officers involved during the hearing. The Coroner's full findings and conclusions are open for public viewing upon application and approval by the Court. The family has a copy of the Coroner's full findings and conclusions. Let me provide some details. The Coroner concluded that PTE Lee's death was due to "an acute allergic reaction to zinc chloride due to inhalation of zinc chloride fumes." It "could not be definitive whether in the deceased's case the reaction was due to the inhalation of excessive fumes or the mere inhalation of fumes" at paragraph 77 of the Coroner's findings. In his findings, the Coroner also opined that it was clear that the deceased's allergic reaction was "unlikely to have been predicted", at paragraph 66 of the Coroner's findings. Because of these findings and conclusions, AGC decided not to prosecute anyone as the cause of death was an unforeseen allergic reaction that was unlikely to have been predicted.”
“The names are on public record for these two cases but I shall not repeat them today, so as not to resurrect painful memories for the families involved. In 2011, a Lance Corporal was killed when a truck reversed into him. He was unloading stores from that truck. The driver of the truck was charged in the criminal Courts for an offence of causing death by a negligent act under section 304 of the Penal Code. He was tried in Court and the Court fined him $3,000 – no detention. The Company Sergeant Major involved in that accident was not prosecuted by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). The Attorney-General decided that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him in the criminal Courts. SAF charged him under military law for failing to ensure that the Servicemen kept a safe distance away from the vehicle as the supervising officer. He was fined. A second example: in 2012, an SAF vehicle overturned during an exercise, causing the death of a passenger. The Conducting Officer who appointed a Serviceman to drive the military vehicle even when he knew that the Serviceman did not have a driving licence, was convicted in the criminal Courts and sentenced to six months' imprisonment as he was found to have committed a rash act and attempted to pervert the course of justice. Let me reiterate that in these two cases, in all cases, prosecutions of SAF Servicemen in criminal Courts are based on findings and conclusions as determined by judicial processes outside SAF, namely, the Coroner's findings of the factual cause of death, and AGC which decides if there are sufficient grounds to prosecute Servicemen. It is then up to the criminal Courts to determine the level of culpability and commensurate punishments.”
“Mdm Speaker, let me first describe the general approach and then answer the specifics that the Member has asked for, in relation to injuries or deaths that occur during training in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Every injury or death to one of our Servicemen is an occasion marked by sadness and regret for the whole SAF family. Our SAF commanders know that the sons of families entrusted to them during National Service (NS) are precious. Even as they are responsible to train them to raise and maintain a credible and decisive SAF to defend Singapore, our commanders are clear that they need to do this as safely as possible. Our safety standards are among the highest for militaries globally and I am not talking just subjective assessments. If you look at training injuries, training deaths and you compare them with similar militaries in a peacetime posture, our safety standards are credible. SAF will endeavour to do its utmost to train safely but, realistically speaking, all of us recognise that in military organisations, injuries and deaths can happen despite the best efforts. Each time an injury or death occurs, we must ensure that independent and impartial investigative processes are instituted to determine the key facts, arrive at appropriate conclusions, take the corrective measures to ensure that mistakes, if any, are not repeated. This includes punishing those held responsible for reckless and negligent acts that have led to the death or injury. Like civilians, SAF Servicemen can be charged and punished in the civilian criminal Courts even if the acts were committed in the course of duties but amount to criminal offences under general law. So, they are not protected. Let me cite two recent cases as examples.”
“In response to separate but similar Parliamentary Questions on 29 February 2016, the Minister for Defence has provided an update on the preparations for the National Day Parade's return to the National Stadium and the Government's estimated total expenditure on the National Day Parade 2016. [Please refer to "Payment for Rental of Sports Hub for Extra Rehearsal Days for National Day Parade", Official Report, 29 February 2016, Vol 94, Issue 7, Oral Answers to Questions section.]”
“The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is confident that more NSmen will show improvement in their IPPT as they become familiar with the new format. SAF will continue to support NSmen through a variety of IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT) programmes and the IPT-in-the-Park initiative to make fitness training more convenient, flexible and effective. Better fitness will ensure that NSmen are better prepared for their operational demands.”
“The Member has asked for comparisons of results following the change in the individual physical proficiency test (IPPT) format from its previous five to the current three-station format. I propose to provide the data using results of the 2.4-kilometre run and the sit-ups, as these are the two stations that were common to both formats. Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) have performed better in both these stations after the format was changed. They achieved, on average, an improvement of five sit-ups and ran 16 seconds faster for the 2.4-kilometre run. Compared to the previous format, the new scoring system encourages NSmen to go all out for each station to compensate for lower scores in any one station. NSmen can also better focus on their training with fewer stations in the new format. For the push-up station, which is new, NSmen were able to perform above the median number required in each age category. For example, Full-time NSmen on average, did 49 push-ups, while NSmen aged 34-39 performed an average of 30 push-ups within the minute stipulated. The overall pass rates for all those who took IPPT in the new format varied from 70% to 97%, depending on selected age categories. The total number of NSmen who received IPPT monetary awards for achieving the standards for Gold, Silver, and Pass with Incentive has also increased. The proportion of NSmen who received Gold and Silver awards increased by 4% to about 30%, and the proportion of NSmen who received Pass with Incentive awards increased by 9% to about 30%. The results of the new IPPT format are, therefore, very encouraging and indicate that the change has motivated NSmen to train and perform better.”
“Madam, that is a theoretical question and I do not have the answer.”
“Mdm Speaker, this is a vexing problem. We have usually many more who apply than can come. I dare not raise hopes. All I can say is that more than double the number of people will be able to watch it at the National Stadium. But still, there will be many more who cannot because the numbers go up. Now that I have given this figure that 275,000 can watch it, I am sure I will get more than double the number of people applying.”
“Madam, let me deal with the last question first. First, there is no dispute. I do not have the detailed answer to that question. So, if the Member could file it as a separate question about dispute resolution, I will be happy to answer it or get the relevant party to answer it. I never said that last year's NDP would be used as a benchmark. This is what the Member has said. I have just given the cost for this year's NDP 2016. I have provided many figures, including the fact that the number of spectators in the show that can be physically there will be more than double. I said 275,000. The Member has chosen not to talk about that figure but to move back to her points. Page: 22 So, let me clarify the answer to the question asked. We have given the cost. We have given what the spectators see. I have given itemised costs in terms of what it costs for infrastructure. The Member has asked whether we will provide details in the Budget. The Member has been in this House for many years and knows that we do not provide those details in the Budget and, if Members ask a question, we will tell you.”
“Madam, I have left it to the Exco to decide whether they can hold it off-site and, indeed, many of the side rehearsals are held off-site. In other words, they come together when they feel that there is a need to be physically at the stadium. Whether it is held at the Padang, Floating Platform or the National Stadium, they start fairly early. In fact, they usually start about seven or eight months before the actual show in various groups, and some of these are held in camps. But ultimately, to put up a good show, we have to put people together and test it. Whether we could have done or we can do more of it off-site and then come to the venue itself, I leave it to the Exco. The mandate and the deliverable for them are to put up a good show. I will pass the suggestion by the Member to them, to see whether they can reduce costs by doing it off-site and they will have to determine whether they can.”
“Madam, 15% of $39.4 million is the figure which I have provided. The Member asked for details relating to the contract. The contract was negotiated as is, in the usual way that we negotiate with private providers and it is 15% of the total cost of the show, which is equivalent to the cost of public events held at private venues. Whether there is recourse for dispute Page: 21 resolution, I expect that it will be similar to all public contracts held in private venues as well.”
“For NDP 2016 at the National Stadium, the venue cost is about 15% of total costs, similar to other national events held at private venues. The Exco is aware that after the Golden Jubilee NDP and SG50 celebrations, expectations of this year's show, NDP 2016, are high and I think that they have resigned themselves to the fact that comparisons will be inevitable. However, I believe that, ultimately, the NDP is a show with Singaporeans, for Singaporeans and by Singaporeans. The committee will do their best to live up to expectations, but I ask that Singaporeans support the Exco so that they can put up a really good NDP this year for all of us to celebrate together.”
“Page: 20 Let me address the questions which have been posed regarding the costs of NDP at the National Stadium, and compare it, as asked, with NDPs held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform or the Padang. Previous NDPs at the Marina Bay Platform cost between $15.7 million and $17.9 million. The cost of NDP at the Padang in 2010 was $20.6 million and, in 2015, $40.5 million. The cost of NDP at the National Stadium this year is expected to be about $39.4 million. There have been questions asked about itemised cost. Itemised cost comparisons between the three different sites are sometimes difficult and not meaningful as the venue conditions vary considerably for each site. For example, among these factors, the number of "live" spectators in the main venue and surrounding areas, the costs for added security in some sites will be more than the others, and also the collateral impact of opportunity costs on surrounding businesses and retails shops. Be that as it may, I will still give some figures and some comparisons. The cost of the show segment, for example, for all three sites is similar, about half of total costs. But the cost to build infrastructure varies considerably. For example, each time we hold it at the Padang, we have to build all the spectator stands and that costs about 22% of the total cost, as you can well imagine. But it is negligible at the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the National Stadium because it is already built. Venue costs, which was the question asked, are expected to be very low for public sites at the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the Padang – about 4% of total costs – because the Padang and the Marina Bay Floating Platform are public sites.”
“Let me also inform Members that my reply will address the Question for Written Answer from the hon Member Mr Vikram Nair. Mdm Speaker, this year we will celebrate the National Day Parade (NDP) at the National Stadium after a hiatus of 10 years. When compared to other NDP sites at the Padang and the Marina Bay Floating Platform, the new setting calls for a different format. For example, what Members here particularly like and what Singaporeans like, the Red Lions parachuting down into the site will not be possible for obvious safety reasons. We will also not be able to have a mobile column or aerial displays because we just cannot see them. However, the new National Stadium also provides advantages for a different type of show, utilising the larger confined space and central pitch as a large stage. The NDP 2016 Executive Committee, the Exco, is excited about the possibilities that the new setting provides and has been hard at work preparing for NDP 2016 so that all Singaporeans can enjoy it and be proud of it. Another distinct advantage of the new National Stadium, because it has a seating capacity of 55,000, almost twice the number of Singaporeans who can watch it either at the Padang or the Marina Bay Platform, is exactly this: there will be many more Singaporeans who will be able to watch the rehearsals and the NDP physically at the site, compared to the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the Padang. Both of these have capacities of about 25,000. In all, in the new site, we expect about 275,000 Singaporeans to be able to watch the National Education shows, the Preview show and NDP 2016 physically at the site. As with previous NDPs, "live" telecast will also allow Singaporeans to watch the shows at home.”
“Mdm Speaker, can I have your permission to take the next two questions together?”
“They are thankful for our capabilities, how we are able to make sense of various information streams and then package them in a product that is useful to the coalition in terms of identifying areas in which members can use. I would say that that is external. But, internally, we are also reviewing our plans to make sure that there is better coordination with the Home Team and to make sure that the SAF is able to contribute to security at home.”
“Mdm Speaker, not so much as a different approach. We recognise that threat levels have gone up, but potential threats, if you like, to various countries have also gone up. ISIS operatives, as they themselves declare, have become more coordinated. They said that they have established an arm outside Iraq and Syria and, as you have seen, in the attacks in Paris or even Jakarta, the ability to orchestrate and coordinate has gone up. The threat levels, if you like, to places outside Iraq and Syria have gone up. And, as I have said in 2014, our basis to join the multinational coalition was to protect our Singaporeans here − because we recognise that terrorist attacks will happen. And, indeed, it has, as unfortunately as it is. So, I think it only strengthens our resolve that we have to help other countries attack the problem at source. As I have said, we will contribute in meaningful ways in niche areas and in ways that coalition partners feel that we can contribute. I will remind Members that we were 10 years in Afghanistan against Al-Qaeda and we contributed various elements. Sometimes, it was in hospitals in Oruzgan, sometimes it was sending them our Weapon Locating Radar because that particular base was receiving incoming rockets from rebel bases. And, so, we will find capabilities that we can contribute and, as I Page: 9 mentioned to Members, the Imagery Analysis Team – which was deployed in Afghanistan − others have found it very useful. I visited the headquarters in Oruzgan when our boys were deployed in Afghanistan. While I was there, they were showing me how they were doing renovations to expand the capacity for more of our imagery analysts there.”
“By contributing to the international effort to tackle the threat at source, we are contributing directly to our own safety. And this is the reason why the SAF will continue its deployments throughout 2016. More countries have understood this and joined the coalition, including our closest neighbour, Malaysia, because they too recognise that unless the source of this radicalisation is disrupted, our citizens at home cannot be protected, even for Malaysia or Indonesia with majority Muslim populations. As the fight against ISIS evolves, we will continue to assess, on a regular basis, the relevance and effectiveness of our contributions and we will work with partners to see how Singapore can best contribute, moving forward, in ways that are within our means and capabilities.”
“The return waves of acolytes, trained, inspired, some with battle experience with arms and explosives, can wreak much destruction to our home countries. But more than the physical destruction, ISIS' ability to successfully propagate its misguided form of Islam is a threat to the fabric of our multiracial society. Therefore, Singapore, as a community, must stand in solidarity against the threat of terrorism. Page: 8 The Member has asked for updates on our contributions. Let me now provide these updates. Since December 2014, the SAF has deployed a liaison officer to the US Central Command Headquarters. We have also deployed an intelligence planner since January last year and an Imagery Analysis Team (IAT) since September 2015 to the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Headquarters in Kuwait. We also supported air-to-air refuelling operations with our KC-135R tanker from May to August last year. In the short period of three months, our tanker aircraft flew 52 sorties and refuelled 142 coalition aircraft. The IAT deployed by the SAF was the coalition's first imagery analysis capability based at the central Headquarters in Kuwait. And it has been useful because it provides the coalition with useful intelligence support – through looking at the images where they are able to identify terrorist infrastructure and facilities, even where terrorists gather to plan, as well as to avoid targeting civilian areas. The Member has asked whether we intend to expand our involvement. Let me inform the House that responding to requests, the SAF has agreed to deploy the IAT for another year, this year. The threat posed by terrorism is a long-term one and the campaign will not end quickly.”