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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“Our ties with partners, such as Brunei, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, India, France and Germany, also remain strong. 12.30 pm Mr Alvin Yeo asked for an update on the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. The ADMM-Plus has made good progress. One example is the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise in Brunei last year where Page: 29 over 3,000 personnel from all 18 ADMM-Plus countries exercised in June last year. Mr Alvin Yeo also asked about our international security efforts in the Gulf of Aden. We will deploy a fifth Task Group, comprising a frigate and a naval helicopter, to the Gulf of Aden, from March to June this year. Madam, we build the SAF for an uncertain future with unknown risks and new challenges. But MINDEF is confident that as long as we have the strong support of Members of this House and Singaporeans, who are resolved to defend ourselves and willing to invest in building these capabilities, the SAF will be able to preserve our peace and protect our sovereignty. Second Minister Chan and Dr Maliki will address your remaining questions, as well as elaborate on the deliberations of their various CSNS Working Groups. The Second Minister for Defence (Mr Chan Chun Sing): Mdm Chair, beyond military hardware, the strength of our defence and the SAF is founded on the support of our society and the fighting spirit of each and every Singaporean. I chair the CSNS "Support for NS" Working Group. We take it as our starting point that societal support for NS, while very high now, should never be taken for granted. As Mr Sitoh Yih Pin said, support for NS has to be reinforced and continuously strengthened, especially in times of peace. For what we do today will determine what we can achieve tomorrow.”
“With Malaysia, our Armed Forces cooperate regularly through bilateral exercises and joint activities, including the Malacca Strait Patrols and the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Last month, our two navies – the Malaysian and Singapore navies – commemorated the 30th anniversary of Exercise Malapura. My counterpart Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein visited Singapore recently and we agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. With Indonesia, the warship naming episode has impacted bilateral relations and set back many years of relationship-building in defence ties. Yet, Singapore and Indonesia continue to share many common interests in maintaining regional peace and security. We want good defence ties with Indonesia. I hope that we can rebuild this important relationship, based on mutual trust and respect. With the US, the rotational deployment of the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ships in Singapore began last year. Our close relations with the US have provided us with many benefits, such as access to high-end defence systems, which contribute to our capability as well as access to training space. I mentioned to Members that the training space in Arizona is many multiples of the whole of Singapore. Without these areas, we will be unable to hone or test our capabilities. We also welcome the US Secretary of Defence Hagel's reassurance that the US remains committed to this region. With China, the SAF and the People's Liberation Army have regular professional exchanges. We attend each other's courses and port calls. Last year, when the PLA Navy called at Singapore, we took the opportunity to conduct a bilateral passage exercise. I look forward to working with the new Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan and the new PLA leadership.”
“The idea of an SAF Volunteer Corps for women, PRs and new citizens has gained wide acceptability. Mr Pritam Singh talked about his own session that he was involved in and we think that this is a very good idea that we will adopt. Second Minister Chan Chun Sing will speak more on this idea. Minister of State Maliki will also share ideas from the CSNS how we can enhance recognition and benefits for our NSmen. Some of the Members have asked how we are good stewards of another precious resource, apart from dollars – land – and I agree with them. MINDEF is mindful to use land efficiently, given competing needs, which Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Sylvia Lim asked about. This is why MINDEF and the SAF, on its own, undertook studies to relocate Paya Lebar Airbase. I want to remind everybody here that this will free up 800 hectares in Paya Lebar for redevelopment, as announced by the Prime Minister last year. Where we can, we also train overseas. But we do need local land for training, which we optimise. The Multi Mission Range Complex (MMRC) is an example. We encourage Members to visit it. We will arrange for you to visit this Complex. The Multi Mission Range Complex houses seven ranges which can simulate both day and night conditions. It occupies the site of what used to be one single 100-m range. Seven ranges on one site. Page: 28 We consolidated our training into two main training areas – the live firing and manoeuvring areas in the West and the offshore training area in Pulau Tekong. We have intensified the use of our camps and equipped centres to fulfil operational, security and safety requirements. Our security is also strengthened when we build up defence ties with other countries, as Ms Ellen Lee mentioned.”
“There can be some time savings because in the present system, some time is required for the second year NSF trainers to adapt themselves to the training environment in their units and training schools. Having regular trainers will smoothen this transition. But here, again, let me quell unrealistic expectations. The time savings will be a few weeks at most, if any. I am not making any promises here, because the Army has to study many details to ensure that we can continue to generate operationally ready units. If Page: 27 there are some time savings in terms of weeks, we will pass it on and we will operationalise it, but Army is under no pressure to deliver on that score. However, there is an area which we can improve in, arising from the feedback, and that is to reduce the waiting time before enlistment. Many of you know this problem. The reason is because Singaporeans before enlistment have different education pathways. Some go to Junior Colleges, some go to Polytechnic and some go to ITE. They have different waiting times – some are longer than others. I asked the SAF to respond to this feedback, to develop a system where we can commit to all enlistees, except for some exceptions, that all of them can start their BMT and NS within a fixed timeframe, say, within four to five months. I think this is possible. But please remember that we are dealing with nearly 20,000 enlistees every year, so the logistics are very challenging. The Army is studying this seriously and expects to complete its detailed studies on the issues raised by the CSNS in the second half of this year. The Committee also noted that many Singaporeans supported the idea of more women, first-generation PRs and new citizens volunteering for roles in national defence.”
“All their trainers are professional trainers. So, for the basic military training centre, which I think your relatives and children go to, only one in six trainers are professional regulars. Of all the trainers, five are NS full-time, and one of them is a professional regular. So, arising from the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS), the SAF has decided to employ more regulars as full-time trainers, as a career path. We are studying the details about how many we need, but we could employ as many as 1,100 more regulars to fill this vital role. This will increase the proportion of professional regular trainers in Basic Military Training Centre from one in six, to one in three, which is a significant improvement and which I think will strengthen the training of our NSmen. Full-time Army trainers will make the training of NSmen more effective and efficient, possibly even shorten training duration. As quickly as I said that, let me quickly dispel unrealistic expectations. The number of in-camp training that NSmen have to perform will not be reduced. Let me say that, again – will not be reduced. The reason is this: we reduced it from 13 in-camp training to 10 in-camp training cycles in 2006. As many of you have pointed out, including Mr Ong Teng Koon, demographic challenges are there, and we need these 10 in-camp training cycles and those in MINDEF reserves to maintain the strength in our standing force. This will meet our defence needs, even with falling birth rates, until 2040. The largest impact of employing more regular trainers will be on the training of our full-time NSmen.”
“The SAF takes this criticism to heart because those who gave feedback were not asking for lighter loads or less involvement. They, in fact, wanted NS to better strengthen our national identity, social cohesion and instill discipline and values, which many Members of this House have echoed. They said that there should be less time wasted and more effective training systems. I agree that these are good outcomes, even if people are committed to NS, and that we should find ways to improve the system – seriously look at the system to see if we can improve. So, I asked the SAF to take a serious look, and let me share with Members some preliminary responses from the SAF. We need and we can improve training, but we will need to employ more professional trainers, especially for the Army. Let me explain why. The current system has second year full-time NSmen train and lead new recruits and servicemen. You would have gone through it yourselves or you may have children and relatives who have gone through it. In other words, the older batch, Page: 26 second year NSF train and command the first year NS batch. I think there are merits in this. You really build commanders, you need leadership skills and build a sense of stakeholdership, ownership. But there are limitations, compared to having professional trainers which will have greater impact on training outcomes, inculcating discipline, and more important, transmitting values. There is a limit to which what a 22-year-old NSF second year can transmit to a 21-year-old. Some of them do it very well and I am very proud of them. But we have to accept that there are limits. In fact, using only full-time regular trainers is how the commandos train their recruits in basic training. They have done that for years.”
“We must therefore continually strengthen the training and commitment of our solders, which is why we started the Committee to Strengthen National Services which I chair, and the Second Minister and Minister of State chair the workgroups. Our National Servicemen are a critical part of our fighting force and, together with the regulars, are crucial to our defence. This is why we have to ensure that Singaporeans give full commitment to their duties during NS. I think Singaporeans should be heartened that NS continues to enjoy widespread support. Many of you would have read the independent survey conducted by Institute of Policy Studies. It was randomised, rigorous in statistical terms. We outsourced it so that it would not be connected with MINDEF. They surveyed 1,200 people last July – 98% of respondents acknowledged that NS is crucial for national defence and for securing Singapore's peace and prosperity. When they presented these results to me, I tried very hard to poke holes in the methodology. I said these were the people that you knew would say that defence is important. The researcher was somewhat taken aback. He said "no", and he defended it very well. I kept probing him. And he was satisfied that his methodology was rigorous. I know of no issue in Singapore when 98% of your respondents give support. The Committee also engaged nearly 40,000 people from all walks of life to draw ideas as well as to find ways that we think we can improve. I would say while the majority of Singaporeans support NS, many also said that the time committed to the SAF during full-time national service and in-camp training could be better utilised. I think that is fair comment.”
“I know this will be every soldier's dream where a robot mule carries your rifle, but do not get ahead of yourself, this is for serious stuff. We will continue to test these capabilities in realistic terrain and scenarios. For example, we did it in Exercise Forging Sabre 2013 where we deployed the widest range of platforms and precision munitions to date, including F-15, F-16, Apache and Chinook helicopters, and our High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). I am painting you a snapshot of the SAF 2030 so that you can see what our defence spending is moving towards in visual terms. These capabilities of the SAF, if achieved by 2030, should provide Singaporeans the confidence that Singapore can be protected. I say "confidence", not "certainty". The future is as always unpredictable. I would also remind Members of this House and Singaporeans, who have asked whether we are too far ahead or we are too well protected, that as a small country of only 700 square kilometres and about four million residents, our vulnerabilities will always exist. We cannot erase these vulnerabilities. We can mitigate them, and prepare the best we can for our defences with the resources available. But we must be resilient enough to withstand the unforeseen. But, most importantly, whether we can deter would-be aggressors for another 50 years and achieve peace depends not on advance systems or weaponry, no matter how sophisticated, but our people and their resolve to defend our island home. Page: 25 Therefore, I agree completely with Members who have said that we have to raise and inculcate values in the next generation and in this generation.”
“The Naval helicopters have proved to be effective and versatile for a wide range of missions. When we deployed them in the Gulf of Aden, we validated their usefulness in counter-piracy missions, and therefore the SAF has decided to acquire two more Naval helicopters. The SAF has also found the multi-role Landing Ship Tank (LST) to be an effective workhorse in our relief efforts. So, whether it was the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Northern Arabian Gulf, whether it was to relief efforts elsewhere, they were found to be effective. But if there was one limitation, it was in the carrying capacity. We are therefore studying carefully the need for Page: 24 larger LSTs that can carry more helicopters as well as more cargo. 12.15 pm The Army in 2030 will certainly be more mobile. In the next 10 years, the number of units that will operate on wheel or track platforms will almost double. So, whatever we have now, in 10 years they will double in numbers and this will create more mobile units. This includes more Terrex Infantry Fighting Vehicles to deal with threats in urban environments. The Terrexes will be linked to UAVs to see better, further and act more decisively. The Bionixes will also be upgraded and this will be operationalised by 2030. By 2030, the SAF also expects that future systems that are currently prototyped or thought about will probably be part of our day-to-day use. Possibilities include multiple micro-UAVs for individual soldiers. Some of you may have seen them on YouTube – these gyrocopters that are swarming. It is very likely that individual soldiers will be able to use them, or robotic mules that can carry very heavy loads and follow soldiers autonomously.”
“This concept of a networked force is now a reality and the SAF is a frontrunner, in global terms, in realising the full potential of a networked military. In 2030, our F-16s would have been upgraded with what we call the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars which are more precise, which can see further and can see with greater precision and will have more precise air-to-ground munitions. The F-16s upgraded, with our F-15s, would be able to defend our airspace ably. In addition, we would have acquired our next generation fighter aircraft, which I think Mr Pritam Singh asked about, but we are not quite ready to decide yet. We will take our time because our F-16s and F-15s serve us for the near term and medium term. We will also have in place multi-layered air defence capabilities with the deployment of the SPYDER and ASTER-30 Surface-to-Air Missile Systems. In other words, layers of air defence. Our current KC-135 aerial tankers will have been replaced by the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which we have decided to acquire. The MRTT or the A330 can hold 20% more fuel than our current KC-135 and we will extend the range of our fighters through Air-to-Air Refuelling. The Airbus 330 can also double up as a cargo and troop air-lift to deploy troops and equipment to overseas sites further away as we have done in HADR operations. You will be familiar with the A330 because you fly in some of these commercial planes. For our Navy, the two Type-218SG submarines will be in operation, together with our two Archer-class submarines. Our Frigates, operating with their Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopters, and our new Littoral Mission Vessels, will form the mainstay of our surface fleet.”
“So, within days, we had to send our second LST, it was deployed, and then a third. At this time, our fourth and remaining LST was deployed in the Northern Arabian Gulf. For your information, we only have four LSTs – all deployed, 100% operational efficiency, button pushed, all out – deployed, ready, men and machine working well. It is because we have invested steadily, trained our men, made sure that our systems are optimised that we are able to do this. And when called to do more, the SAF will step up. Ms Ellen Lee asked about our National Maritime Security System (NMSS), and the SAF have stepped up to coordinate and control this maritime security system. We have done well thus far, but MINDEF and the SAF must again be strongly positioned for the future. Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, Mr Nicholas Fang and Mr Pritam Singh asked about this. The question is: what are we building for the future? So, I thought instead of telling you, I will try to show you, I think it is much easier. Let me illustrate with a schematic of what the SAF might look like in the SAF in 2030. You will find this in your goodie bag, this particular picture [A slide was shown to hon Members]. Basically, it says current, planned and future. Page: 23 The SAF in 2030 will be one with all parts highly connected. Which means that whether it is the fighter pilot in the air, the sailor out on the oceans or the soldier on land, each will be able to see the big picture and, beyond that, speak to one another to jointly target threats and orchestrate responses. Let me repeat that. Whether you are a fighter pilot, sailor in the ocean, soldier on land, you will be able to see the big picture, speak to one another, jointly target threats and orchestrate responses. It sounds simple but very, very difficult to do.”
“In other words, it has kept pace more or less with inflation and I expect going forward that our defence spending will continue on this trajectory that more or less keeps pace with inflation over the long term. It is sustainable and it is a prudent way of investing in our defence capabilities. In buying equipment, we prefer to upgrade existing platforms instead of buying new ones. For example, we upgraded our Navy's missile corvettes which were first commissioned in the early 1990s. These "ladies" are not particularly young but they are still very seaworthy and we have upgraded them. The Army's Leopard tanks were also bought second-hand and upgraded to Page: 22 meet our needs. Through this prudent, steady, long-term view of defence spending, the SAF today that has been built up is a deterrent force, and it sends a strong signal to all that Singaporeans value our independence and we will fight to protect it. This signal, this unequivocal signal of deterrence is priceless. The SAF has also responded well to security challenges, even unexpected ones, as we have done in Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden. Another "test" that validated whether our SAF is ready was our response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. Members would remember that this happened on Boxing Day, so there was no prior warning, but we were able to quickly dispatch the Charlie-130 aircraft with supplies and helicopters to assist in the efforts, as well as a Landing Ship Tank (LST). The RSS Endurance carried over 400 people, more than 50 vehicles, and a large amount of relief supplies. This was, of course, to Aceh and this was before we realised also that other parts were also hit. Remember the epicentre, it also affected Krabi and across in Thailand.”
“It was a good buy because this was what they termed the "post-Cold World War dividends" – the Berlin Wall came down, people said tanks were no longer required, so there was a huge surplus of tanks that went on the market and we picked them up at a relatively good price and refurbished them. After this came Iraq/Afghanistan where the Canadians, who had sold their Leopard Tanks realised that Leopard Tanks were, indeed, very much needed even in desert warfare, had to re-buy them at an escalated price. So, we were smiling and said, "Good buy". This steady defence spending allows us a long lead time to train our men adequately and to develop platforms that meet our specific requirements when we cannot buy from the open market. For example, some of you may have heard of our Pegasus lightweight howitzer that was locally developed, it can be lifted by helicopters and self-propelled; it is the first and still the only one of its kind in the world. MINDEF will continue this approach of steady defence spending that has reaped significant benefits for our defence capabilities. In other words, we will avoid sharp spikes unless the security risks require increased spending. We will also avoid sharp dips that will undermine our defence capabilities over the medium term. So, if you look at our defence spending over the last 10 years, and I think Members have asked for it – what is our thinking, what is our trend – if you look at our defence spending over the last 10 years, it reflects this steady investment in capability building where our defence budget has roughly kept pace with inflation. Let me give you the figures. In 2004, it was S$8.6 billion and, last year, it was S$12.2 billion.”
“Kissinger added that the risk exists that "some relatively peripheral issues are escalated step by step, into a conflagration." These were sobering words, indeed, on the risks that exist in Asia from wise men who have studied or witnessed the making of wars. How do we prepare and build our defences for this kind of future? I think many Members here in their speeches are grappling with this issue. How do you prepare for this future? It is not possible to predict the future precisely or tailor-make an SAF that meets only specific security challenges. All of us know that because if you look within the last decade – just within the last 10 years – all the major security challenges globally, whether it was 9/11, the terrorist threat, SARS, piracy – all came as surprises. No one foresaw us operating a Weapon Locating Radar and UAVs and running hospitals 6,000 km away in Oruzgan in Afghanistan, or deploying frigates and naval helicopters more than 7,000 km away in the Gulf of Aden. This is not a surprise because military history is replete with unknown unknowns. And because we are unable to forecast specific security threats, we, therefore, must adopt a more robust and resilient approach by building an SAF that can deter would-be aggressors and meet a wide range of security threats so that we would not be caught off-guard or flat-footed. A robust approach in building our defence capability to achieve strategic deterrence is why MINDEF maintains a steady defence spending which has delivered, over time, a strong SAF respected by even advanced Western Page: 21 militaries. Our planning horizons are intentionally long term and we spend prudently and steadily. This steady defence spending allows us many "opportunity buys", for example, the refurbished Leopard Tanks from Germany.”
“This is the larger strategic backdrop against which territorial disputes and incidents amid rising nationalism should be viewed. I recently attended the 50th Munich Security Conference – its 50th gathering – and there was one distinguished panel which stood out. It consisted of, among others, former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger – octogenarians, maybe even nonagenarians, in their 80s and 90s, all World War II and Cold War veterans. This distinguished panel made the trenchant observation that Europe had not seen a major war in the last 50 years. That was a signal of achievement to them because after two World Wars and the Cold War, there was political will Page: 20 by European leaders to make war between one European country and another irrelevant. But barely a month after that meeting, a crisis has precipitated in Ukraine, taking it to the brink of war with concerns that another Cold War might emerge. Beyond Europe, I was struck by a comment Secretary Kissinger made of Asia. Often, we look at Asia from within but, often times, it is useful to hear the views from outside, from others looking towards Asia. Kissinger said that Europe, in the post-modern period, was reluctant to engage in military conflict, very eager to maintain its standard of living and quite different from the Europe that organised the world 100 years ago. A hundred years ago, because this is 100 years since the First World War. However, he continued, Asia, at present, was more like 19th century Europe, where military conflicts among each other – he mentioned between China and Japan, or other neighbours – could not be excluded. Military conflict in Asia could not be excluded.”
“The SAF has had to undertake missions thousands of kilometres away from home, whether it was in unfamiliar seas off Somalia, the air space over Iraq or the mountains of Afghanistan. We have done well and this transformation of Page: 19 the SAF speaks volumes of past efforts and of the sterling and defining contributions of our pioneers. We salute the pioneers who laid the foundations of the strong SAF today. But as with the building of Singapore, the work of building up the SAF is not done. This generation must continue the pioneering efforts to maintain and build up a strong SAF. Present challenges exist and new ones are on the horizon, as many Members in this House have spoken about – Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Ms Irene Ng, Mr Alex Yam, Mr Ong Teng Koon, Mr Nicholas Fang, Mr Pritam Singh, Mr Gerald Giam. 12.00 noon A new generation with different experiences, memories and motivation now form the SAF as protectors of this nation. And, indeed, our immediate part of the world is changing dramatically, as Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Irene Ng pointed out. In the latter half of the 20th century, US dominance in both security and economic spheres was unchallenged, and it provided the security umbrella for this region. In the 21st century, China's rise as an economic and military power is redefining the power dynamics in the Asia Pacific. Japan and Korea are responding to these dramatic shifts as are India and ASEAN. Already, Asia's defence spending has surpassed that of Europe's and it is projected to surpass that of the US within the next decade – Asia will spend more than the US. A militarisation of many countries within Asia of this magnitude has no historical precedent.”
“Subjugation and terror; fearful even when unjustly treated; defenceless and too weak to respond – these raw lessons that they learnt first-hand on power and dominion shaped their belief, sank deep their conviction that a strong security force was critical to ensure peace and stability for Singapore and to protect our sovereignty. Even so, when we gained Independence in 1965, this founding generation saw clearly the insurmountable odds to build a credible defence. The reason: Singapore was a poor country with very few resources and our people lived in an island with what military experts say we have no strategic depth geographically. For the Army, National Service started with significant teething problems in equipment and training. Conscription was newly introduced, and had yet to find general acceptance and commitment. To train our first pilots, the RSAF – it was not called the RSAF then, it was called the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC) – had to borrow a Cessna from the Singapore Flying Club! The Singapore Flying Club was built before the SADC. Our Navy's illustrious beginnings were two wooden hull boats that could not go very far from our shores and so they confined themselves to constabulary duties within the Singapore Strait. And what of our magnificent "communications network" that we speak of today? Well, in our beginnings, we had six high frequency radio sets that we took over from the 4th Malaysian Signals Squadron. From these humble beginnings, we have today a modern, professional and credible SAF – the Army, Navy and Air Force linked as one fighting machine – able to stand up to the wide range of security threats, able to protect Singaporeans and defend our airspace and surrounding waters.”
“Madam, first, let me thank Members of the House for their continued support for MINDEF and the SAF and the strong defence of Singapore. I feel very heartened because this support came from Members regardless of party affiliation, Nominated Members included. I take to heart Mr Nicholas Fang's affirmation for a strong defence and for individual effort, and for us to communicate a need for a strong defence. The Pioneers of Singapore take centrestage of this Budget and COS. But the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance is a bit upset with MINDEF for putting up the PIONEER bag. Well, you know the PIONEER magazine came before his package, so that gives us some latitude. For them to take centrestage is the right thing. Singaporeans owe a debt of gratitude to our founding generation – for their vision, tenacity, sacrifice and hard work. Because without these pioneers, today's modern, successful and stable Singapore could not have been built. Our pioneers were deeply convicted that a strong military was necessary to defend Singapore as an independent nation. The convictions of this founding generation were visceral, emotionally riveted, as many of them personally lived through Singapore as a British Colony, Page: 18 through the Japanese Occupation, Konfrontasi, the communal riots and the Communist insurgency. You would have met some of them. Some of them were your relatives, as you have described. When you speak to them about these events, you can see in their faces a face shift as they are relating an incident, mental images seared in their minds, and they speak to you with a different depth of conviction.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made progress on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2014/2015 and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Chairman, may I seek your consent to move that progress be reported now and leave be asked to sit again tomorrow?”
“The SAF embarked on its 3rd Generation transformation in the early 2000s, to build a more capable force that could address a wider range of threats. The new SAF would use technology to have better command and control, strike with more precision and use more unmanned systems. The SAF has succeeded in this transformation and stands ready to respond to foreseeable threats. These include the threats of terrorism, piracy, natural disasters and cyber-threats. The SAF has also re-organised itself to be more responsive and potent. This includes the set up of the Island Defence Task Force, Maritime Security Task Force and Special Operations Task Force. We will work closely with Homefront and other Government agencies like the Maritime and Port Authority and Singapore Customs, to help to keep Singapore safe. Most recently, we have also set up the National Maritime Security System to protect the sea lines of communication and territorial waters around Singapore. The SAF will be vigiliant and continue to improve itself to defend Singapore and its interests.”
“We should let these platforms and initiatives evolve organically over time. This is to accommodate the different capabilities and aptitudes of different ASEAN member nations for multilateral humanitarian operations.”
“Mdm Speaker, ASEAN has put in place several mechanisms to respond to disaster situations. All ASEAN member states are party to the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response or AADMER, and this provides the framework for cooperation in disaster relief operations within the ASEAN region. ASEAN has also established the ASEAN Standby Arrangements for Disaster Relief and Emergency Response where Parties volunteer assets and capacities which could be mobilised for disaster relief and emergency response. In addition, a set of Standard Operating Procedures on the use of military and civilian assets in disaster relief operations has been drawn up. The ASEAN Co-ordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), based in Jakarta, has also been set up to facilitate cooperation and coordination among the Parties, and with relevant United Nations and international organisations. These existing mechanisms provide a framework for countries to increase the collective ability to deal with disasters in our region. We should aim to strengthen these mechanisms but, in reply to Mr Fang's question, there is still some way to go before we can start thinking concretely of a joint multinational force for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). And the reason is simple. ASEAN is not a security or a military pact. The establishment of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in 2006 does provide an important platform for strategic dialogue but is working on building trust and confidence, and enhancing inter-operability for militaries within ASEAN. We have established an Experts' Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief, together with our extra-regional partners.”
“Mdm Speaker, I do not propose to go into a litany of what we are going to do and what we have done or what we are not going to do. I do not think that is productive. We have stated our concerns. I would suggest that it is more productive to focus on what and why we are deeply concerned about the naming of the ship, what it meant to us. I have stated explicitly in terms of not allowing the ship to enter our port and that SAF would not be associated with or exercise with the ship. I think that is abundantly clear. I do not choose to add to that. Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene (Nominated Member): Madam, I welcome the Government's position on this matter. I think it is important for us to state our position clearly. I would just like to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government actually accepts the Indonesian government's explanation that the marines are not being honoured for killing Singaporeans. I do not see how these marines would have had been accorded such honours had they not been hanged for their acts in Singapore. So, I would appreciate the Minister's clarification.”
“Mdm Speaker, the SAF and MINDEF will not over-read or jump at shadows from this act. We have stated our view very clearly. I do not want to add to that. As to how we can move forward, this has happened and I think the task before us, as I said, we want good bilateral military relations and we have to take it from there and to rebuild mutual regard, mutual respect that we have taken 40 years to reach. It has set us back. And I would say that, over the next period, we will see what we can do to rebuild the ties. But it also depends on what both parties do.”
“On the contrary, a ship named "Usman Harun" sailing on the high seas would unearth all the pain and sorrow caused by the MacDonald House bomb blast, which had been buried and put to rest. It would be a bête noire, unleashing resentful feelings and spirits from the past, a constant reminder of the military aggression and atrocious crimes committed by Indonesian marines who killed or irreparably damaged the lives of innocent civilians and their families in Singapore. For Singaporeans, this is the weight of the dark history of Konfrontasi – of lives tragically cut short in vain, the suffering and blighted futures of hapless victims – that this ship will always carry with her. Singapore will not allow this military ship named "Usman Harun" to call at our ports and naval bases. It would not be possible for the SAF, as protectors of this nation, to sail alongside or exercise with this ship. As Deputy Prime Minister Teo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and I have said to our counterparts, the naming of the ship will have consequences on bilateral relations. Already suspicions and resentments have heightened on both sides, setting back many decades of relationship building in defence ties. We want good bilateral defence ties and close military-to-military relationships with Indonesia. But strong defence ties can only be built on mutual trust and respect, expressed through appropriate acts that underscore friendship and amity.”
“We knew the harm it would cause to bilateral relations. We want good defence ties with Indonesia and have worked hard to develop our friendship and military cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister Teo related to me how he had taken part in the first ever naval exercise with the Indonesians in 1974 – it was called Exercise Eagle – after President Suharto's visit to Singapore. And since then, military-to-military relations have improved considerably. In fact, two years ago, the SAF celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Indonesia-Singapore Coordinated Patrols to jointly protect the waters of both countries from sea robbery. In times of need, Members will remember that both militaries have also quickly stepped up to help each other. When SilkAir Flight MI185 crashed near Palembang in December 1997, Indonesia spared no effort in the search and rescue operations; when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck Aceh in 2004, the SAF was the first on the ground to assist Indonesia with its largest disaster assistance relief effort ever. Such reciprocal support and close cooperation based on mutual respect strengthen defence ties when Indonesia and Singapore treat each other as sovereign equals. With closer ties, the TNI and the SAF have been able to Page: 11 discuss sensitive matters, sometimes behind closed doors, to find amicable solutions that meet each others' concerns. Where there are disagreements, we find ways to put them on hold until conditions improve to settle them. But the naming of the ship came as an utter surprise. MINDEF and the SAF were disappointed and dismayed over this inexplicable move. Even without ill intent, how can the naming of the ship after the two bombers build good ties, or enhance mutual respect and regard with both our countries?”
“Mdm Speaker, in reply to Question No 2, for MINDEF and the SAF, the Konfrontasi was a violent and wrenching chapter in Singapore's history. The Indonesian armed forces, known as ABRI then, targeted non-military installations and defenceless civilians in Singapore from 1963 to 1965. In all, at least 58 people were killed or injured by the 37 bombs set off. Great suffering was inflicted on the victims and their Page: 10 families. The MacDonald House bomb blast killed three civilians and injured at least 33 more. They still bear the physical and psychological scars of that tragedy to this day. Just take the families of those killed: Elizabeth Choo's six children became orphans, Juliet Goh's parents lost their only child, and Encik Yasin left behind a widow and eight children. The naming of an Indonesian Navy ship after Usman and Harun now, nearly 50 years later, would undo the conciliatory actions from both sides that had lain to rest this dark historical episode. It would, as we have said, reopen old wounds. The Singapore Government was therefore deeply concerned when we received news of the naming and reacted immediately, instinctively. Three Ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Teo, telephoned our counterparts. My counterpart, the Indonesian Defence Minister was in Europe on an official visit and it was 8.00 am there when I called him. I would not have disturbed his trip unless it was an important matter and the Indonesian Defence Minister knew it. I stated the Government's position, and followed up with a written note, so that there would be no misunderstanding about our deep concern. All three Ministers respectfully asked our counterparts, on behalf of the Singapore Government, that Indonesia reconsider the name of the ship.”
“The deployment of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) to the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Police Force takes into account the operational and manpower requirements of each of these uniformed services, as well as the suitability of the individual to perform various vocational roles based on his medical fitness and aptitude. It is the aim of the Home Team and the SAF that every NSF will regard his assigned duties as an important and meaningful role in the defence and security of Singapore. We will continue to examine ways to optimise the roles and contributions of our National Servicemen.”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That the proceedings on item 2 on the Order Paper for today be taken after item 7". That is, the Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Bill will be taken after the Singapore Institute of Technology Bill. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Resolved, "That the proceedings on item 2 on the Order Paper for today be taken after item 7." – [Dr Ng Eng Hen]. (proc text)]”
“Mdm Speaker, yes, TI does engage with us and there have been instances where we offer and we want to give them information. Sometimes, they have accepted but, as I have said, in this particular instance, they did not. Dr Lim Wee Kiak said this is not the first time that MINDEF or the SAF had been accused of not being completely open about our processes. I agree with him. For instance, one of the reasons for TI's ranking us in the category as it did was, I quote, "no information exists on asset disposal or any scrutiny that may be subjected". In other words, I must tell you what I am disposing, but in order for me to tell you what I am disposing, you will know what I have. Or that "the percentage of defence expenditure allocated to secret items is not known publicly". Well, that is the reason why I do not tell you. So, I think there is a difference in form in terms of what they want. We are not about to compromise our security by revealing the exact dollars and cents for each thing that we purchase. I come to this House; we tell you what we are going to purchase as I did with the Aster 30 systems, upgrading our submarines, that we are looking seriously at certain aircraft platforms. But it has not been our habit to publicly announce the minutiae because we take that stance to make sure that it gives us a more robust security system in the SAF.”
“In fact, more established publications, such as the Asian Intelligence Report by the Political & Economic Risk Consultancy Limited, consistently ranked Singapore as the least corrupt country in Asia since 2002. Other reputable publications, such as the Governance Matters report published by the World Bank Institute, has also consistently ranked Singapore in the top fifth percentile out of over 200 countries in the area of Control of Corruption. The findings from this Governance Matters report are drawn from over 20 different indicators, some of which include reputable sources, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit and the World Competitiveness Yearbook by the renowned Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development. Indeed, TI's Headquarters' most recent Corruption Perception Index 2013 placed Singapore as the fifth least corrupt nation in the world. The fact that the same organisation, albeit through two different publications, gives us quite different assessment, again calls into question TI's credibility. My Ministry reiterates that we are committed to upholding Singapore's reputation as a country that is clean, honest and trustworthy, and a Ministry which emphasises the highest levels of integrity and incorruptibility. Page: 34”
“Further, the evaluator, a person called Mr David Fouquet, added that he has "on good personal authority" that there was a phantom employee on MINDEF's payroll, without giving any details. We would suggest to TI that their processes need to be strengthened by relying on more authoritative sources and substantiated facts. In fact, Transparency International's analysis seems to be Page: 33 based mainly on Internet sources. We have endeavoured to reach out to this organisation to give them more information but they have flatly declined our offers of more information to debunk their false assertions. TI also asserts that "parliamentary and legislature process to scrutinise the defence budget is not robust due to a lack of opposition voices in the political system". This is a rehash of old debates that if Singapore does not conform closely to their model of parliamentary democracy, we must be corrupt. TI's reports do injustice to our Members of Parliament here and ignore the strong legislative oversight as well as strong executive controls in our system. The Defence Budget is presented and passed by Parliament and approved by the President each year. The Parliament appoints a Select Committee, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), to work closely with the Auditor-General's Office to conduct regular scrutiny of our expenditure and accounts. This is further complemented by strong executive oversight. We have a robust system of checks and balances, an independent Auditor-General who reports to the President and a clean Civil Service. Detailed information on our anti-corruption, budget, audit and procurement checks and balances are available on public sites.”
“Madam, Singapore and its various Government Ministries and agencies have achieved a reputation for zero tolerance against corruption for many years. For MINDEF, we have strict procedures to ensure that our procurement systems adhere to the highest and most rigorous standards and I think defence experts acknowledge this. For example, credible defence journals, such as Jane's Defence Weekly and Jane's Defence Industry, have acknowledged our robust and comprehensive system for procurement. The Financial Times also noted the "stringency and transparency" of our processes while the Aviation Week publication lauded Singapore's Defence Ministry as a "reference customer" and a "model of cost-effectiveness" to suppliers and buyers of defence equipment. Among global defence companies, it is common knowledge that MINDEF buys equipment at very competitive prices and has stringent standards of performance for its purchases. So, the difference between MINDEF's hard-earned and well-known reputation of being stringent, transparent and cost-effective in our procurement practices, and that of Transparency International's defence corruption risk reports which place us in the same category as countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, point to a credibility gap of Transparency International's reports. We examined Transparency International's assessment and found their assumptions to be flawed and processes weak. For example, Transparency International (TI) stated that while there is "no evidence of illicit economic activity", they further went on to add "we may assume some off-budget allocations, perhaps on a limited basis". I do not know what is the basis of that assumption, but it is a very, very serious allegation.”
“To maintain the collective commitment by all Singaporeans and PRs to national service, enlistment to NS must be applied uniformly and equitably to all enlistees. Therefore, deferments are considered very selectively and only for the few individuals with exceptional talents in the sports, arts and other areas. Even then, the deferment is not for individuals to achieve personal accomplishments for themselves but only allowed when they indicate the ability to achieve national pride for Singapore and why performing their NS duties like everyone else would prevent them from doing so. The deferment requests for artists will be carefully assessed based on these criteria by MINDEF, in consultation with MCCY. Based on these criteria, only a small number have been deferred in the past. Between 2003 and 2013, we received five applications for NS deferment to pursue the arts, of which two were granted deferment. Artists who are granted deferment are enlisted for NS at the earliest opportunity after their deferment period.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament do now adjourn." [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Educating our Young for 21st Century 6.14 pm”
“The security zoning system has been well received by our servicemen, and they appreciate the convenience provided to them. We continue to welcome feedback from our servicemen on how to improve the implementation of the zoning system.”
“The security zoning system was introduced on 1 September 2012 to allow servicemen to carry camera equipped mobile phones into SAF camps. This facilitates the use of information technology, whilst protecting the security of sensitive information in SAF premises. To date, a total of 29 SAF camps have been zoned. Under the security zoning system, camp complexes are divided into Red and Green zones. Within the Green Zones, our servicemen are allowed to bring in all models of camera-enabled mobile phones. No camera-enabled devices are allowed in the Red Zones. Unauthorised photography is prohibited in both zones. Our servicemen are briefed on the importance of maintaining information security and the rules regarding the zoning system. They are regularly reminded on the security zone regulations through Routine Orders, Security Instructions, and physical signage in the camps. National servicemen on in-camp training are reminded of the rules and are aware that unauthorised photography is not allowed in SAF premises. Servicemen who are unclear about the rules have avenues to seek clarifications. Our servicemen are warned that it is an offence to violate these rules. The severity of punishment is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the extent of security breach and any mitigating factors. The punishments are typically heavier for repeat offenders and those whose violations result in security breaches. With the implementation of the zoning system, the number of servicemen who have been punished for unauthorised carriage of camera phones and unauthorised photography has decreased. Information security is critical to Singapore's defence.”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That Parliament do now adjourn." [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Page: 115 Employment and Employability of Seniors 6.18 pm”
“Mdm Speaker, I beg to move, "That the debate be now adjourned." [(proc text) Resolved, "That the debate be now adjourned." – [Dr Ng Eng Hen]. (proc text)]”
“Madam, indeed, the RSN already does that and it tracks individuals with maritime sector qualifications and works with MPA. We recognise that it is not a large pool and, so, it is to our interest to be able to deploy these NSFs who are more likely to pursue maritime careers. As I have said, they have the COC and we recognise that the COC is a professional qualification that enables NSmen, and some of them actually are already serving in selected RSN officer appointments that require these professional qualifications.”
“Madam, in deploying National Servicemen to some vocations, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) does take into account the individual's aptitude and suitability to fulfil the required tasks and operational roles. These personal considerations are balanced against the priority to train and generate combat and supporting units to defend Singapore. The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS), which I chair, is presently studying how to expand the number of vocations where the individual's aptitude and preference is considered while still maintaining or strengthening our defence capabilities. I think this was the gist of Ms Mary Liew's question. The Nominated Member of Parliament also asked about maritime sector qualifications. And, indeed, maritime sector qualification is one of the several factors that the SAF takes into account when deploying full-time National Servicemen to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Let me give some details on the relevant qualifications. It includes Diplomas in Nautical Studies, Maritime Transportation and Marine Engineering as well as Higher National Institute of Technical Education Certificates (NITEC) in Marine Offshore Engineering. National Servicemen (NSmen), who have suitable maritime sector qualifications, such as the Certificate of Competency issued by MPA may be deployed to the RSN to serve their National Service (NS). Page: 20 The Member has also suggested that civilian shipboard service be recognised as NS. This would be unwise and inequitable, as it would erode the support for NS, where every enlistee performs his duties, whether it is within SPF, SCDF or SAF.”
“We grant disruption when they are eligible for NS servicemen into institutions where they are pursuing full-time degrees that, as Mr Baey said, are funded by MOE, or confer their own degrees. This would include SIT. I am not aware of any specific courses for which we do not grant disruption, but if he can file a specific Parliamentary Question or if he knows of a particular case, I would be happy to respond to him.”
“Let me address Mr Baey's question in two parts. First, in general, when disruption is granted and then specifically, in terms of the institutions he has asked about. Mdm Speaker, when we disrupt National Servicemen (NSFs) from their training, it affects the operational readiness of the units that they come from. So, we grant disruption on a selected basis. Specifically to Mr Baey's questions, it is on the basis of equity. This means if his classmates or his peers were called up earlier in that year, and they can go to university in a particular year, the person in question who is called up in later cohorts, he will be disrupted so that he can go into the university in the same year as his peers. It is a fair basis in which we grant disruption. Now, on specific institutions, we currently allow NS disruption for servicemen to pursue full-time degrees at institutions that are funded by MOE or confer their own degrees. These include full-time degree programmes at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). It will also include the Singapore Institute of Management University (UniSIM) when it begins conferring its own full-time degrees from 2014 onwards.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move, "That Parliament do now adjourn." [(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)] Page: 121 Social Assistance and Affordability for Singaporeans 6.46 pm”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I beg to move, "That the debate be now adjourned." [(proc text) Resolved, "That the debate be now adjourned." – [Dr Ng Eng Hen]. (proc text)]”
“Strict measures are imposed on nuclear-powered vessels that call at Changi Naval Base (CNB) to safeguard public safety. Fuel handling or repairs to the reactor plant are not allowed at CNB. We also require the Governments of nuclear-powered vessels calling at CNB to submit their annual safety audit reports on their operation of these vessels. CNB has also installed an Integrated Environment Monitoring System that takes round-the-clock readings of air quality, water and sea-bed samples to detect any changes to the normal background environmental radiation level. To date, all readings have been within safety limits as set by international norms. Emergency response plans are also in place to deal with any incident. The whole-of-Government response plan involves Government agencies, such as the SCDF, SAF, SPF, MOH, HSA and NEA who are tasked to take immediate actions to respond to and contain the incident. Page: 118”
“The military is a fulfilling profession for our servicewomen and they have contributed towards making the SAF an effective fighting force.”
“The SAF is proud of the contributions by our servicewomen, which today add significant capabilities for our national defence. Currently, 1,500 of our regular military personnel are women. This makes up about 7% of the regular corps in SAF. SAF servicewomen are now deployed widely within the SAF in diverse vocations and the range of combat and military expert roles in infantry, artillery, combat engineers, pilots and naval officers, amongst others. Career progression within the SAF is meritocratic and based on the principle of "best person for the job". Many women have risen up the organisation based on abilities to hold senior command and staff appointments at the Brigade and Battalion levels. Our servicewomen have also been sent to undertake multinational peace support operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions overseas. For example, in 2004, many servicewomen participated in the tsunami relief efforts in Aceh. And more recently, they were deployed to Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden as part of Page: 117 Singapore's contribution to these international efforts. The SAF will help males and females alike to have fulfilling careers in the SAF. We do take into account specific events which may require added support and flexibility as when they are newly-weds or become parents. We ensure that pregnant servicewomen, in particular, are able to perform the physical duties required for their jobs, and redeployed to do so when necessary. The SAF seeks to attract more capable women to join the SAF. The SAF Merit Scholarship has been awarded to women since 1993. In 2010, one recipient of the prestigious SAF Overseas Scholarship was a lady, LTA Sharon Tan.”
“Under the Enlistment Act, employers are required to grant leave to their employees and cannot dismiss them for being called up for their NS duties. MINDEF takes a serious view of employers discriminating against NSmen at work and will investigate such complaints. Employers who are found guilty of infringing the Enlistment Act can face penalties of fines and imprisonment. While legislation exists, MINDEF proactively encourages employers to go beyond the requirements of law to actively support NS. MINDEF and SAF Page: 116 engage employers regularly so that they can better understand NS training during In-Camp Trainings (ICTs) and the contributions of their NS employees. Each year, we recognise outstanding employers through the Total Defence Awards. This year, a total of 522 employers received the awards. These employers have put in place many good practices. For instance, some employers plan their projects early or provide more workplace flexibility so that their NSmen can take time off for their Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). Many employers also facilitate covering arrangements so that their NSmen can attend ICTs without difficulties. MINDEF will do more to encourage companies to adopt practices that enable their employees to give of their fullest in performing their NS duties.”