Teo Chee Hean
Singapore
“The second point first, Mr Speaker. Certainly, it could have been a factor. But to the Panel which reviewed the thing, it was not an acceptable excuse or reason. The agencies still have to be responsible for what they are doing, whatever season of the year it is.”
“On the balance in ACRA, I would not say it is a conflict, but you have to strike the right balance between the functions that ACRA is meant to provide, which is to have a registry which promotes corporate transparency, and you have to balance that against how you protect personal data.”
“That means, if you do find a bug or you do find a way in which you can penetrate a Government system, you let us know, and there is a bounty for it. And this is evergreen. But we also do, from time to time, have a hunting season. So, for certain of our systems, we invite white hatters to attack those systems.”
“Then, he asked when the political office holders got involved in the public communications on the Bizfile portal issue. They got involved, I think, almost as soon as it became apparent that there was public anxiety. Next question about paragraph 40 and the email to senior officers, yes, the July 2024 CM was emailed to officers.”
“In fact, we monitor the dark web for a variety of things, including this, and we have not seen any sale of NRIC numbers as such. On the question of collection and use of NRIC numbers, actually, in the communication with the Government agencies, I think it is important to know who you are communicating with.”
“So, you actually make your email address available to others. But for authentication purposes, it is quite different. You do not tell your password to others. That is something which you keep for yourself and your email service provider knows. So, there is a difference between an identifier and an authentication.”
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“Dr Fatimah asked how the Public Service will inject greater collaboration amongst public officers in various Government departments. Fostering greater collaboration amongst public officers in different agencies is an important priority of the Public Service. There are many issues that the Public Service deals with that involve multiple agencies. We have taken two approaches to foster greater collaboration. The first is by building a Whole-of-Government mindset among public officers. This must start with the leadership of the Public Service, and extend to all levels of officers. For example, each year, we gather around 900 public sector leaders and senior public officers from different Ministries and statutory boards at the annual Public Service Staff Conference to be briefed on critical issues facing our country so that they can better appreciate the need to work together. The Civil Service College also conducts leadership development programmes for some 1,200 officers each year. During these seminars and programmes, they discuss policy and operational issues which cut across different agencies and learn skills on how to better collaborate with each other. We have also increased efforts to build a common identity and shared purpose amongst public officers. This is why we started the Public Service Week last year, to remind officers that although they come from different organisations, they all have a responsibility to serve Singaporeans and work toward the public good. The second approach is by increasing the opportunities for public officers to put their Whole-of-Government mindset into practice through working on actual issues. Let me share some examples.”
“The investigations did not find any evidence to suggest foul play or negligence on the part of any persons involved in the training. The post-mortem findings showed that First Warrant Officer Tan had some extent of coronary artery disease. However, there was no evidence that he suffered from an acute myocardial infarction, otherwise known as a heart attack, or other heart disease. The autopsy findings could not conclusively identify any medical condition that might have impaired his ability to steer to a safe landing. MINDEF treats every death of its servicemen with utmost seriousness. We spare no effort in investigating the circumstances leading to such unfortunate incidents. Where required, measures will be put in place to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. I would like to assure Dr Fatimah and Members of this House that the SAF will continue to be vigilant in ensuring training safety. First Warrant Officer Tan was a well respected and highly experienced serviceman. The members of the Commando Formation, and the SAF feel his loss, and along with them, I extend my deepest condolences to First Warrant Officer Tan Poh Eng's family. SINGAPORE'S SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN (International and regional games) 13. Mr Charles Chong asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports what assistance has been provided by the Ministry for Singapore's sportsmen and sportswomen to prepare them for international and regional games such as the Youth Olympic Games, Asian Games and ASEAN Games.”
“The compensation amounts are based on the same principles and practices used by the civil courts or the Work Injury Compensation Act for deaths or injuries due to work. There is also an appeal process should servicemen or their next-of-kin feel that the compensation is not adequate. The appeal panel, called the Compensation Board, is chaired by a senior Legal Service Officer who is a former District Judge, and comprises senior officers from the Ministry of Manpower and Public Service Division. Servicemen are also encouraged to provide further financial security for themselves and their families, beyond what is provided for in the comprehensive compensation framework through insurance. MINDEF has an opt-out Group Term Life Insurance scheme for all its servicemen to cover death or injuries, both during the course of duty and when the servicemen are off duty. This is available at the very affordable rate of $12.80 per month per $100,000 insured, up to a maximum of $400,000. MINDEF has completed its investigations into the circumstances leading to the death of First Warrant Officer Tan Poh Eng. The cause of death, from the South African pathologist's report, was multiple injuries consistent with fall from parachute. The investigations have established that First Warrant Officer Tan underwent a medical review on 2 Feb 2009 in accordance with the medical review protocol for Military Freefall. First Warrant Officer Tan was certified fit to participate in Military FreeFall. The investigations also established that the parachute used by First Warrant Officer Tan was serviceable, properly packed and had deployed fully. The investigations also ascertained that the safety, training and medical processes were adhered to during the incident.”
“Dr Fatimah has asked about the precautions and safety considerations that our SAF Commandos are put through prior to participating in parachute jumps. Commandos have to undergo a progressive training programme to participate in parachute jumps. Before commencing training, they have to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they are medically fit for the training. All Commandos must undergo a Basic Airborne Course which requires them to complete five static-line jumps to attain a basic airborne qualification. Commandos who are selected to attain advanced parachute jumping skills will further need to complete an additional 10 static-line jumps in preparation for the Military FreeFall Course, which requires them to jump from a higher altitude and have a higher degree of technical proficiency. Such a training approach for these commandos will expose them progressively to higher altitudes and parachute jumps that demand greater control of the parachute. They would also have to undergo another medical assessment before commencing the Military FreeFall course. Commandos who have passed the Military FreeFall Course are required to undergo annual medical reviews to ensure that they remain medically and physically fit to continue participating in Military FreeFall jumps. In addition, they are required to perform at least one Military FreeFall jump within 120 days from their last jump to maintain currency. Should they fail to meet this requirement, they are required to undergo refresher training before they are allowed to participate in Military FreeFall jumps again. Dr Fatimah also asked about insurance coverage for accidental deaths or injuries. MINDEF has a comprehensive compensation framework to compensate servicemen for deaths or injuries that are due to service.”
“If necessary, HDB will increase the supply of new flats under its Build-to-Order (BTO) system to ensure sufficient housing supply. HDB will also continue to monitor the CPF Housing Grant and the AHG to ensure their effectiveness in meeting the housing needs of first-timers.”
“With generous housing grants from the Government, first-time homebuyers who purchase a resale flat in non-mature estates currently use, on average, about 25% of their household income to service their housing loans. This is well below the affordability benchmark of 30%. I would like to reiterate that the Government is committed to helping Singaporean families, especially young couples, to set up their first home and enjoy the benefits of home ownership. Flat buyers can choose to buy subsidised flats, either from HDB or the open market. To assist first-timers in their resale flat purchase, the Government provides a generous CPF Housing Grant of $30,000. Those buying a flat near their parents or married children would get a higher grant of $40,000. In addition, first-timers whose household income is less than $5,000 per month may get an Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) of up to $40,000. Hence, a first-timer household buying a resale flat can enjoy up to $80,000 in grants. HDB also offers housing loans at concessionary interest rates to help buyers finance their flat purchase. It is important for flat buyers to exercise financial prudence and buy a flat within their means. To help buyers plan carefully, HDB provides quarterly information on general resale price movements and the new housing supply expected in the next six months. Transacted prices of individual flats are also available on HDB's website. With the information, flat buyers can do their research and choose a flat that meets their budget, preferences and needs. HDB will continue to monitor the demand and supply situation closely to ensure that public housing remains adequate and affordable.”
“In my understanding, the teaching service does employ quite a number of people who are basically doing career transitions, and the teaching service is one of the major employers out of these 18,000. I believe there are about 3,000 of them. So there is quite a considerable set of openings for these people. The example that the Minister for Manpower just gave of a mid-career transition – of somebody who was in operations and then went into nursing - is another one such example where the public sector – in this case, a restructured hospital – has employed somebody in mid-career. So these things do go on, but I think that we should not look at the public service and say that we should reserve jobs for those who are doing mid-career switches because we must also consider that there are school leavers who are looking for jobs and we should not disadvantage them either. HDB RESALE FLATS (Assistance to buyers) 9. Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for National Development with the HDB Resale Price Index reaching a record level that is not seen since 1990, what can the Government do to assist homebuyers of such flats. The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, the HDB Resale Price Index (RPI) has fluctuated within the range of about plus 1% and minus 1% in the last few quarters. This suggests that HDB resale prices have stabilised. Meanwhile, cash-over-valuation (COV) amounts have fallen, from a high of $22,000 in 4Q07 to below $5,000 in 2Q09, thus reducing the up-front cash needed.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we do desire to fill those 18,000 jobs, whether or not the applicants who come forward will apply for these specific jobs that are vacant, and whether they meet the standards are important criteria. As I said earlier, we do not intend to compromise on standards and, hence, it is possible that some of the jobs may still be unfilled, in spite of the fact that there may be applicants.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the answer to that question is embedded in my reply already, which is that most of these jobs are in any case requiring citizens and PRs to do that.”
“The public sector still has vacancies in the education and healthcare sectors, and in the security agencies like the Home Team and MINDEF. We welcome capable and committed Singaporeans to come forward to take up these positions.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I informed the House in February this year that the Public Service expects to hire 18,000 persons over the next two years. I also informed Members that we would continue to hire people with the right skills, values and attitudes, and would not compromise standards. From January to May this year, the Public Service and related agencies hired a total of 13,083 persons. This comprises 7,485 officers in the Ministries and statutory boards, 3,869 in the restructured hospitals, 1,438 in the universities and 291 kindergarten teachers. The numbers recruited include both fresh school leavers and mid-career officers. The majority of those hired in the public sector were employed by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). We expect the total number recruited to continue to increase in the coming months as Government agencies are still actively recruiting. To increase public awareness on the jobs available, Government agencies have been conducting recruitment talks, career fairs, career seminars and exhibitions. Agencies have also worked with partners like the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and NTUC to match suitable candidates in their database to public sector jobs. For example, recently in June, five Government agencies (LTA, NEA, MOM, WDA and MFA) partnered the Southwest Community Development Council (CDC) to hold a recruitment drive targeting Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians for 300 of their vacancies. The public sector has a central job portal at www.vog.gov.sg. Job seekers can easily view vacancies for jobs across all Government agencies at this website and apply for jobs. The portal also contains information about upcoming recruitment events and career talks.”
“Singapore is not a State Party to the 1997 Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. Like several other countries, we believe that the humanitarian concerns pertaining to anti-personnel mines should be balanced against the legitimate security concerns of states. While we maintain the right to use anti-personnel mines for self-defence, we also support any initiatives against the indiscriminate use of these mines, especially when they are used against innocent civilians. Singapore shares the concerns of the international community over the humanitarian impact of anti-personnel mines. We will continue to support international efforts to resolve the humanitarian concerns over anti-personnel mines, and to work with members of the international community towards a durable and truly global solution. Meanwhile, we have put in place, since 1998, a moratorium on anti-personnel mine exports. This moratorium covers all types of anti-personnel mines and is in place indefinitely. APPENDICES”
“Tenants have the option of renewing their tenancies for only one or two years if they expect rents to fall over time. A freeze on rent increases, as the Member suggested, is not equitable as it will result in different rental subsidies for different tenants who may have renewed their tenancies over different periods of time. It is also not advisable for HDB rents to be disconnected from market realities. A better approach to help businesses during the economic downturn is to provide rental rebates. Such rebates help to lower business costs while allowing for rent adjustments to market conditions. Hence, as part of the Government's "Resilience Package" announced earlier this year, HDB will be granting a 15% rebate for all commercial and industrial tenants, as well as industrial-land lessees for a year, from January to December 2009. This 15% rebate includes the savings from property tax rebates which HDB will pass on to tenants. HDB also conducts regular reviews of market rents. In recognition of the prevailing market conditions, HDB has reduced the market rents by 5% since January 2009. So, instead of freezing, HDB has actually reduced its rentals by 5% in January 2009. For the small number of tenants who face substantial rental increases in spite of these measures, HDB will stagger the rent increases over the tenancy term. HDB will monitor the market situation closely to see if additional measures are necessary. I understand that JTC adopts a similar approach in providing assistance to its industrial tenants. Er Lee Bee Wah: Sir, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State, for those tenants who got their rentals adjusted upwards just before the Government announced the 15% rental rebate, would these tenants get their rentals adjusted back to the old rates?”
“In the case of sponsorship, MINDEF has already taken the first step, which is to provide sponsorship for the course, sometimes with salaries for the officer while he is on course. So, MINDEF has already fulfilled a fairly major part of the obligations towards the officer by sponsoring him for the programme. These programmes may be six months or as long as six years, in the case of medical scholarships. The SAF invests substantial public funds and time to train these officers. There is an expectation that such officers will fulfil their moral obligations to serve the organisation in return. The SAF is not an unreasonable organisation. The terms and conditions are quite fair and reasonable and that is why we do have people who are prepared to come forward to serve the SAF. There are many interesting and challenging jobs in the SAF. In fact, in most cases, because the officers whom we choose to sponsor are our better officers, they do have a pick of the better positions available. So, Sir, on balance, MINDEF does discharge its responsibilities to the officers who choose to take up sponsorship but it is also necessary for the officers to do their best to fulfil their moral obligation to serve the SAF and to serve the country. RENTALS AT JTC AND HDB PREMISES 3. Er Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development in view of the current economic climate, whether his Ministry will put a freeze on all rentals for JTC and HDB premises. The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien) (for the Minister for National Development): The commercial and industrial premises under HDB are generally let on three-year term tenancies during which the rents are fixed. During tenancy renewals, the rents are adjusted to the prevailing market rent.”
“Sir, as the Member's question is obviously motivated by this particular case, I will make my response with some reference to this particular case, even though, as MINDEF has said, it would have much preferred to have conducted such exchanges in private with the family, out of consideration for the family. Sir, the Member's first question is based on the premise that those who sign up for a MINDEF/SAF sponsorship or scholarship do not fully understand what they are signing. First, if anyone is signing a sponsorship deed and needs clarification on its terms and conditions, he can and should seek these clarifications, which MINDEF has and will continue to provide. The individual signs a deed voluntarily and is not compelled to do so, until he has fully understood the terms of the sponsorship or scholarship. This is particularly the case when it is an in-service officer who may already be well in his 20s or 30s, and decides to take up a scholarship or a sponsorship to go on a course for further career development. Second, most of our sponsorships or scholarships require two sureties to also sign the deed. These sureties are usually one of the parents, a close relative or someone whom they know well enough to be comfortable in signing the deed. And MINDEF also provides clarification to these sureties. The Member has also asked earlier what happens if a person wants to break a bond. As I have said, all officers who take up the sponsorship know that they have a moral obligation to serve out the full period of their bonds beyond their legal obligation to pay the liquidated damages if they do not fulfil the bonds.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, all officers who join the SAF and take up sponsorship are aware that they have a moral obligation to serve out the full period of their sponsorship bonds, which goes beyond the legal obligation to pay back liquidated damages if an officer does not fulfil the bond. The SAF has a range of important leadership or specialist roles available that serve the organisational needs while catering to officers with different interests and aptitudes. Officers too are expected to do their best to fulfil their obligations to the organisation, unless there are strong and extenuating circumstances such as medical reasons, that prevent the officers from doing so. An officer who wishes to be released early while under bond can submit a formal application through the proper process. The application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and the officer will be counselled and interviewed by his superior officers. Since 2000, we have allowed three officers to be released prematurely from their bonds.”
“In fact, I think our procurement process is one which is recognised as robust and very well thought through. When we buy things, we have two submarines or we have 15 or 20 aircraft at a time – these are not big orders in international terms. India, for example, is buying 126 fighter aircraft. That is a fairly substantial order. We buy 15 or 20. But even so, international companies find it useful and beneficial for them to take part in our tenders. And one of the reasons is because they see an order from Singapore as an endorsement of their product. Because they know that our processes for evaluation are strict, rigorous, so that if we buy something, it is a cost-effective product. And I think that is a very good testimony.”
“And then, suddenly, there was a discontinuity and that discontinuity was September 11th, 2001. The Canadians found their armed forces in Afghanistan and they found that they needed tanks. So the Canadians have now, in a great hurry, gone out to try to buy tanks. They borrowed tanks from Germany, and they have also, in quite a hurry, bought secondhand tanks from the Dutch in order to meet this demand by their soldiers in Afghanistan for tanks as a result of a discontinuity in their security environment, something which they did not expect. 2.00 pm The economic crisis is another discontinuity, which we all now face. So if we want to spend on defence, so that you can protect yourself and ensure your survival, then I think that we should make it robust and take a long-term view; and have it ride through good times, difficult times, and be able to withstand the kinds of shocks and discontinuities that may arise. The investment in our new equipment is a natural process of improvement. We buy F-15s and we are replacing our A4 Skyhawks with the F-15s. If you ask me, I could not in good conscience, send our pilots out into combat in A4 Skyhawks today. The A4 Skyhawk was built in the 1950s and 1960s. We bought them secondhand; they were lying in the desert, we restored them, we upgraded them in the 1980s. And after that, we used them for another 15 to 20 years. So we have used them for some 30 over years now. And then we finally decided to retire them. The A4 Skyhawk does not even have a radar. So I think it is time to replace it and the replacement is prudent. So these are some of the equipment purchases that we are making and we consider them very, very carefully before we decide.”
“I would say that I would not carry the insurance analogy too far because I am not an insurance salesman, and I am not sure whether Ms Ng has studied the insurance market in great detail. But I would say that what we have is an appropriate policy for ourselves. And it is not unusual for a person who actually values his own life, values his own family and children, particularly, to invest more in insurance. If you are a single person and you do not have very much property, and you do not have very much to lose in life, you may decide that you are not going to take up insurance. But I think that as a country, we have built up many assets and resources. We have our future, our families and children to look after. And I think that many sensible people, when they arrive at a certain age, when they have families, they want to take care of their families and make sure that they are properly insured. That is about as far as I would take the insurance analogy. As the country progresses, as you have more to protect, I think it is not unreasonable that you spend more to protect it and, hence, a linkage with GDP is not an unreasonable one. But as I said, we do not spend all of the 6% of GDP, and we spend on what we need by taking a long-term view of what defence needs we have. Now, many of the countries, after the end of the Cold War, particularly in Europe, in Canada, for example, they decided that peace has broken out, and, therefore, they cut back on their defence expenditure. I do not mean this as a criticism of our friends in Canada, but out of quite sensible analysis on their part, they decided to cut back on their defence expenditure. They decided, for example, they no longer need tanks, and they in fact used their tanks for target practice.”
“I will respond to Ms Rajah's question at two levels. At the national level, under the National Security Coordination Secretariat under the Prime Minister's Office and the direction of the Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Jayakumar, we have a National Security Coordinating Committee. And that looks at all the critical facilities in Singapore – electricity supply and including IT security – to make sure that we have resilience plans in place for the critical systems. For MINDEF, we, of course, go much deeper into our IT resilience. Our critical systems, for example, are decoupled from the outside world. So I have two computers on my desk, one is connected to the outside world and MINDEF, but one is connected only within MINDEF. So, theoretically, it will be much more difficult to penetrate such a system. Of course our pure operational systems are even much more protected than that, so it is an answer at two levels.”
“They can do it through an online video competition, radio call-in contests and even ZoCards, ie, something like postcards that contain certain messages. ZoCards are distributed with the Pioneer magazine. These cards are a vital form of viral marketing which is popular with young Singaporeans. We have distributed some of these cards to Members and we hope that you will discuss, fill up and send it back to us to tell us what Total Defence means to you as a Member of Parliament. Sir, addressing the question by Dr Maliki on whether youths in Singapore have taken security for granted, I am glad to say that our engagement efforts have  paid off handsomely. Surveys conducted show that the younger generation is less complacent, more committed and feel that they have to work hard to make Singapore secure from terrorist attacks. It is also heartening to know that most youth feel that National Service is necessary and that they would continue to defend Singapore. In fact, we even have women suggesting that girls should do National Service too. Sir, MINDEF will continue to engage all Singaporeans. Whether through traditional or new media, our aim is to enhance the appreciation of security issues so as to engender a personal commitment to the defence of Singapore.”
“mation competition – punning on the word: animation – which provides a platform for students to express their ideas on Total Defence through animation. N.E.mation is now in its third season, the students blog actively, canvassing for fans online. Remarkably, the number of unique visitors to the N.E.mation website this January has increased 25 times to 25,000 visitors when compared to the same month in last year's competition. Ms Kimberly Ho, a student from CHIJ Toa Payoh, is one such student who took part in this year's competition, and she came away with a new appreciation of National Education and Total Defence. This is what she said, "This project has helped students think of National Education as a fun subject, through animation rather than speeches and boring lectures" and "I learnt many new things about Total Defence and what I would want to defend." Sir, the Total Defence outreach efforts have increasingly taken on a bottom-up grassroots approach. To mark 25 years of Total Defence this year, a multi-platform, multi-channel programme has been rolled out to elicit participation from different sectors of society. Singaporeans are more deeply engaged to reflect on what Total Defence means to them by being asked the question, "What Will You Defend?" We asked the public to tell us what Total Defence means to them. Many people will say, "Total Defence to me is to preserve my lifestyle. It is to protect my family. It is to protect my community." Each person had a different take on Total Defence, depending on his or her age. And there are also many channels for these young Singaporeans to express their views and share their responses with us.”
“Evelyn tells of how they miss him whenever Cpt Tan goes for in-camp training. But she is encouraged by the fact that "Louis and his bosses have always viewed NS positively. As a family, we recognise that the adjustments we make during this period are not just good for the country, but good for Louis and good for our family." Even with the reduction in NS duration, MINDEF continues to ensure that our servicemen remain committed to defence. There are programmes and activities for units aimed at imparting a deeper understanding of military history and security policies. MINDEF also recognises the contributions of our NSFs and regularly reviews the recognition provided to them. For example, the rank of Specialist Cadet was created just recently for those undergoing training to become specialists. This rank recognises the increasingly challenging roles and greater responsibilities of our specialists in the third generation SAF. NSFs wearing the new rank will also receive a higher allowance. 1.45 pm Sir, Dr Maliki asked how MINDEF has engaged young Singaporeans on defence and security issues, while Ms Indranee broached the broader question of whether we have sufficiently engaged the spectrum of Singaporeans to embed Total Defence in the nation's psyche. Sir, let me preface my answer to Dr Maliki by saying that young Singaporeans do not like to be preached to. They like to be consulted. They prefer to discover things for themselves. This is the new generation. MINDEF has thus been moving towards more creative, experiential programmes to engage our young. They provide opportunities for self-expression and discussion as well as a good measure of enjoyment. A very good example is the popular N.E.”
“This indicates that Singaporeans understand the need for defence and their role through National Service. I will give Members an example. Army Guards officer 2LT Muhammad Faris Sufi bin Zainol is a typical Singaporean. He is a full-time National Serviceman and will be signing on with the Army. Since young, he has had a keen understanding of the role of the military in defence. In his own words, he said this, "This passion drove me to join the National Cadet Corps (NCC) as a cadet lieutenant and subsequently realising my childhood dream of becoming a commissioned officer in the SAF, in this case, the Army." Employers also understand the need for National Service, like my colleague here, Ms Indranee. I thank her very much. Many of them, for instance, make it a point to release their male employees for in-camp-training (ICT) and discourage requests for deferment. I have a very good example here, Sir. MAJ (NS) Danny Lien – he is the Managing Director of Amos International – he is an employer and a National Serviceman. So he plays both roles. He is a firm believer in in-camp training and in the need to maintain national security. He says this, "When an organisation discourages deferments and includes ICT performance as one of the appraisal components of its NSmen employees, it will encourage the NSmen to be more conscientious and diligent in performing their roles during their In-Camp Training." I am happy to note that the number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have participated in the Total Defence Awards has been increasing over the years. Families also give important support to husbands and sons who do National Service. Ms Evelyn Loh is married to CPT (NS) Louis Tan. They have a beautiful daughter, Faith.”
“It is only with a dynamic and committed group of men and women that the SAF will be ready for the security challenges that may come its way. Let me also reiterate and thank Members and the public for their support for the SAF and MINDEF in its mission to form an effective deterrence and to protect Singapore. The Minister of State for Defence (Assoc. Prof. Koo Tsai Kee): Mr Chairman, Sir, I would like to thank Dr Maliki and Ms Indranee Rajah for asking questions on Total Defence. Sir, Total Defence has reached a significant milestone. In a few days, we will commemorate 25th anniversary of Total Defence on 15th February. Total Defence is not an occasion just to commemorate. It is a lifestyle. It is a commitment. It is the way to keep our way of living. Ms Indranee and Dr Maliki asked how Total Defence has helped Singapore cope with security challenges such as the threat of global terrorism. Total Defence began as an effort to rally the nation behind the defence of Singapore. Since the 9-11 attacks in the USA, Total Defence public outreach efforts have increasingly focused on how every Singaporean can play a part in dealing with terrorism. They can help security agencies by being alert for anyone or anything suspicious and by knowing what to do during emergencies. Emergency exercises and other programmes have also been regularly conducted to familiarise the public with contingency measures and to equip them with life-saving skills. Sir, our efforts over the years have paid off in helping Singaporeans and their employers appreciate their role in Total Defence. For instance, the response rate during mobilisation is usually very high – very close to 100% – and we do this many times in a year.”
“Koo to chair RECORD V, which will build on the work done by the first four Committees, and recommend further ways to recognise the contributions of our NSmen. It will start its work once the members have been selected. Sir, Ms Indranee asked about bullying in camps. The SAF has provided channels for servicemen to report any incident of bullying. These channels are made known to all soldiers upon enlistment. We provide the information in the handbook given to each recruit. Many of you will be familiar. Also, this is the handbook that recruits get. There is also one that parents receive. In there, there are particular aspects about how to adjust, who you can turn to for help. Servicemen can report such incidents to their superiors, to the para-counsellors in their units, or to the SAF Counselling Centre through the 24-hour Hotline, the number is well-publicised. MINDEF has zero tolerance for any form of physical abuse by commanders or soldiers on fellow soldiers. Any such incident of abuse will be thoroughly investigated, and soldiers guilty of misconduct or other offences will be severely dealt with by Summary Trial or General Court Martial. In the recent case which Ms Indranee brought up involving the physical assault of Recruit Jagjeet Singh, the three National Servicemen responsible for the offence were charged and have been convicted by a General Court Martial. One of them was convicted of voluntarily causing grievous hurt while the other two were convicted of the lesser charge of voluntarily causing hurt. Such cases are uncommon. In the last five years, there were no other similar cases involving voluntarily causing grievous hurt. Mr Chairman, Sir, the people in the SAF are our greatest asset, as Minister Teo has said.”
“Our Warrant Officers and Specialists (WOSpecs) also benefit from these initiatives through a scheme known as the Continuous Learning Academic Study Scheme Sponsorship (CLASS). Through CLASS, our WOSpecs can be sponsored to pursue certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and even degree courses. One serviceman who has benefited from CLASS is 1WO Kong Kok Cheon. Presently, Kok Cheon heads the maintenance section for F-16 fighter jet engines. In 2006, 16 years after graduating from Singapore Polytechnic, we offered him a CLASS Award to study for an Advanced Diploma in Aerospace Engineering and Management. He has since graduated and now feels that he is much better equipped to manage the operational and technical challenges at his workplace. Mr Chairman, Ms Indranee also asked about MINDEF’s efforts to recognise the contributions of our NSmen. And I thank her for being a good employer. And we do engage employers. We give them awards. But beyond that, I think it is more important that we bring them in to help them understand what their employees go through and we arrange orientation and we show them different parts of SAF so that they can understand what is going on during training of ICT. MINDEF regularly reviews the recognition that should be accorded to our NSmen. The RECORD Committee is convened regularly for this purpose and as an important platform that helps us plan and to systematically show ways to recognise our NSmen. In the most recent RECORD IV, we added the Operationally Ready National Service Completion Award for NSmen. MINDEF has decided that it would be timely to convene RECORD V next month. Minister Teo has appointed Prof.”
“For example, we do allow students to defer their full-time NS to complete their studies up to GCE "A" levels, polytechnic diploma or an equivalent qualification. Very occasionally, MINDEF does defer full-time NS for exceptional talents based on the merits of each case. In the last 10 years, deferments for limited periods have been granted on less than 10 occasions. Those granted such deferments included swimmer Sng Ju Wei, sailor Maximilian Soh, violinist Lim Chun and pianist Lim Yan. Like everyone else, these individuals still have to serve NS after their deferment period. Mr Hawazi Daipi asked if our military personnel are ready for the restructuring that the SAF is undergoing. Mr Chairman, apart from equipping our personnel with the most effective systems and technology, as Minister Teo has mentioned, the SAF also actively develops our people to maximise their potential through professional and academic upgrading. This is in tandem with the increasing needs and complexities of 3G SAF. Continuing Education is a key initiative. We want to promote life-long learning and help them realise their full potential. In June last year, the SAF signed an MOU with NTU to establish a strategic partnership on Continuing Education for our servicemen. Under this partnership, SAF Officers can pursue an NTU Masters Degree with credits earned from the SAF's Command and Staff Course. Apart from NTU, the SAF will also be establishing a strategic partnership with UniSIM, through the signing of an MOU on Continuing Education later this month. Under this partnership, UniSIM will accredit professional military education courses completed by SAF personnel, and allow them to transfer these credits to the UniSIM undergraduate degrees if they decide to pursue them.”
“ITE graduates are enlisted throughout all four quarters, depending on when they graduate. For students who pursue their studies overseas or in local private institutions, they are enlisted upon completion, usually six months from the completion of their studies. However, some are enlisted later because they took longer to graduate or had medical conditions which require further review. As a rule, they would start their next level of educational institution two years after their female counterparts. Mr Chairman, Sir, Ms Olsen asked about deferment from full-time NS. As previously articulated in this House, as she has rightly pointed out, there are three fundamental principles that we adhere to. First, NS must be for meeting a critical national need of ensuring our national security and survival. This is the basis for the Enlistment Act where all NS-liable males are enlisted at the earliest opportunity upon turning 18 years of age. The second principle is universality and with this, NS is the duty of every male Singaporean fit to serve. The third is equity where every National Serviceman is to be treated in the same way, regardless of background or status. MINDEF recognises that NS does involve a sacrifice from all individuals who have to postpone personal pursuits to serve the nation. Not only those who are specially talented, but all Singaporeans who are NS-liable. This is why we must adhere to the three principles in order to preserve the integrity and strength of our NS system. Nevertheless, in selected situations, which she has pointed out, MINDEF does exercise flexibility while still upholding these three principles.”
“First, let me thank her for her personal and physical commitment. I think she is a good example, and I thank her for the efforts that she has done in the constituency. And I encourage MPs to do this as well in support of Total Defence. The SAF introduced various mechanisms to help our NSmen. I take her point that she prefers the natural conditions rather than air-condition. But we are practical – we want to introduce practical ways to allow our NSmen access. In October 2006, we introduced a specific programme at Bedok and Khatib Fitness and Conditioning Centres (FCC), and at Maju Fitness Conditioning Centre in August 2008. This is a voluntary programme designed to help NSmen prepare for their annual IPPT. I am happy to announce that it has been quite popular. Since its inception, more than 8,000 NSmen have undergone this IPPT. Last year, we introduced another programme where the SAF, also tied up with SAFRA, to offer gym packages to help NSmen improve their IPPT results. So we are finding practical ways to help our NSmen. Let me now talk about the management of NSF intakes, a point raised by Dr Mohamad Maliki. He asked whether the reduced NS period to two years has diluted our operational readiness. I would say, "no", and the Minister has talked about that. He also asked about how we manage the intakes. Sir, enlistment for full-time NS takes place on a quarterly basis. This is to help the SAF because we have to accommodate more than 20,000 young male Singaporeans each year who would have completed their studies in different institutions here or abroad. As a general rule, we enlist them soon after the academic year. Those from the JC, GCE "A" level cohort are enlisted in December and March while those from polytechnics are enlisted in June and September.”
“This is for the four-week course and it does improve their physical performance, but we have found that even after four weeks, many still do not reach the same level of fitness when compared to their peers who went directly into BMT. So there is still a lag even after four weeks. All of us know that BMT is physically rigorous and MINDEF and the SAF have been studying how we can better prepare those undergoing this PTP for Basic Military Training, a point which Mr Arthur Fong asked. We have concluded that the current four weeks is too short as it does not bring these recruits to a comparable level of physical conditioning as their direct BMT peers. We have therefore decided to add another four weeks and extend the PTP to eight weeks, instead of the current four weeks. This will enable a more uniform level of fitness amongst the recruits when they start their BMT. Members should note that the overall duration of a full-time two-year NS remains unchanged. So we are not extending it but upon enlistment, PTP recruits will undergo their eight-week PTP first and then serve out the remaining one year 10 months of full-time NS. This eight-week PTP will be implemented for those enlisted from December 2009 onwards. Having announced this extension of the PTP from four to eight weeks, I hope that young male Singaporeans will now not get the wrong idea that they can neglect or reduce their regular exercise and hope for this eight-week course to prepare them for BMT. I think it is always better to do it regularly for your own health and well-being. Of course, for those in poor physical condition, I think even eight weeks of PTP may still be inadequate. 1.30 pm Sir, Ms Indranee asked about encouraging our NSmen to maintain their fitness in order to pass their IPPT.”
“An independent expert panel of medical experts regularly reviews and updates screening requirements for the SAF. Nonetheless, even after having passed the most detailed of screening techniques, there remain a small number of persons who can suffer unexpected deaths. From time to time, we read of them. They affect both civilians and military personnel and even amongst athletes and sportsmen who are used to physically demanding conditions. Sometimes, it is not even related to great physical exertion. Sudden deaths have occurred with minimal physical stress or during sleep. These unexpected deaths reveal the limits of detection capabilities for pre-existing diseases even with the best medical technology. Some causes of death simply do not provide any prior warning to allow remedial or preventive measures. Within the SAF, all servicemen are put through training after the medical experts have deemed them suitable for their respective PES. But as Ms Indranee Rajah has alluded to and Mr Arthur Fong also, NSFs can have varying levels of physical performance and endurance. To determine if they are physically well-conditioned for basic military training, we use the National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) Silver as the benchmark. Those who have obtained at least a NAPFA Silver, and this is about 50% of current enlistees, go directly for their Basic Military Training (BMT). The remaining half require help to improve their physical performance and endurance before they join the rest of the cohort for their BMT. So they attend a four-week course called the Physical Training Phase, or PTP. They do it after they are enlisted, upon enlistment and before they go through the BMT.”
“I thank the House and all Singaporeans for your commitment to defence and with your strong support, MINDEF and the SAF will continue to ensure a safe and secure Singapore, which gives us the confidence to forge ahead to chart our own future. But, ultimately, though the security of our nation needs equipment, systems and weapons, it depends on our men and women. The SAF must continue to attract and retain people with the right values, motivation and abilities, and ready them to confront the current and future security challenges. And Singaporeans must have the resolve and determination to defend what is ours. Mr Chairman, Sir, I will now ask Dr Ng to elaborate on our initiatives to bring out the best in our personnel and Prof. Koo will elaborate on Total Defence. The Second Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Sir, permit me to continue on some of the aspects that Minister for Defence has touched on as well as to address questions by Members. Ms Indranee Rajah asked about the fitness of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and how this relates to deaths during training. First, let me clarify that all enlistees must undergo medical screening to determine their Physical Employment Status (PES). This is done by trained doctors and it is only after the screening by doctors based on their PES, that the enlistees are assigned to the type of training and vocations which are suitable for them. As elaborated previously in this House in response to PQs, MINDEF adopts internationally-accepted procedures and standards for medical screening. Indeed, when it comes to routine screening for cardiac conditions, we adopt higher standards than those recommended by the American Heart Association, for example.”
“We extend the life of our equipment by maintaining them well and upgrading, where possible. The 18 year-old Missile Corvettes will embark on a Life Extension Programme so that they can continue to contribute effectively for many more years. When we do need to make a purchase, we do not always buy the latest model. Our AMX-13 tanks were bought second-hand 40 years ago and upgraded to SM-1s 20 years ago. Now that the SM-1s can no longer be further upgraded to meet our needs, we have bought second-hand Leopard tanks to replace them. In fact, quite a number of our major equipment are second-hand although Members may not realise that. Our KC-135 aerial tankers, some of our C130s and indeed our submarines were also bought second-hand, and these are periodically upgraded with modern systems. We do buy new equipment when it is necessary and particularly to keep our fighting edge sharp, such as the F-15s, UAVs and frigates, and we also build our own unique systems to meet our requirements when it is more cost-effective to do so, such as the Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carrier and our Landing Ship Tanks. I would like to inform Ms Indranee Rajah that we are able to do this because MINDEF consistently spends about 4% of our defence budget on R&D. Our cost-effective equipment is well-regarded internationally and ST Engineering was recently awarded a contract to supply the Bronco to the UK Armed Forces. Our Landing Ship Tank has also found buyers in other countries. The current economic crisis has altered the security landscape, and compounds this "360 degree" security threats facing Singapore and the region. A strong SAF underpins the peace and stability that will allow Singapore to ride out the economic slowdown, and protect our vital interests.”
“Major programmes like the frigate typically take a decade from inception to full operational status. It takes even longer for our people – SAF servicemen, scientists and engineers – to master their respective expertise. Sharply reducing the budget during a downturn means that certain capabilities, people and expertise that took many years to build may be lost and these capabilities cannot be easily rebuilt just by short-term spending increases. MINDEF’s multi-year plans ensure that the SAF is built up as a coherent and effective fighting force. A stable defence budget allows us to make long-term decisions in order to obtain the best value for our investment, whether it is in building up capability in our people, or in weapon systems. I would like to assure Mr Arthur Fong that this steady approach to defence spending ensures that the SAF is always well-prepared to confront security challenges. Ms Irene Ng also asked what do we spend on in defence. Our defence budget has three main parts. I would describe it only in broad terms. First, through our investment in people, we develop well-trained soldiers, sailors and airmen and also engineers and scientists. Second, through our operating expenditure, we carry out operations both locally and in support of our international commitments, and maintain a high state of operational readiness through rigorous training. Third, through our capital expenditure, we equip our servicemen with the most appropriate equipment so that they can carry out their mission with confidence and success. We are also spending a little more this year on construction in line with the Government’s Resilience Package. As a policy, MINDEF only buys what we need, and what is most cost-effective.”
“So this is the operating principle – investing only what we need. The long-term defence needs are appraised and the long-term resources to meet these needs are determined. Hence, from 1997 to 2002, defence expenditure was about 5.0% to 5.5% of GDP. Since 2002 the defence expenditure has typically been between 4.5% and 5% of GDP. We expect that on average the defence budget will be within this GDP range over the next few years. This is in line with the overall budget and the budgets of the other Ministries. And within this range, the defence budget will move up and down with the GDP and overall Government budget. We do not sharply increase defence spending during an economic upturn just because more money can be made available, and we do not sharply cut spending when the economy slows. So instead of a feast-and-famine approach, we put in consistent investments in defence. This is the prudent approach. Sir, security threats do not disappear during an economic downturn. On the contrary, as I have pointed out earlier, social and political frictions increase during difficult economic times or, as Ms Indranee Rajah said earlier, the world does not appear to be a very safe place. Quite an understatement. Having a credible SAF to defend Singapore’s sovereignty and vital interests is even more crucial under these circumstances. A steady defence budget through both good and difficult economic times sends a strong signal of our resolve to defend ourselves. Building effective defence capabilities takes many years. It would be too late to start buying weapons and raising capabilities only when an obvious threat confronts us. Defence programmes have long gestation periods and it is more effective to plan and invest for the long term.”
“Dr Ng will elaborate on how our People Development initiatives will bring out the best in our personnel. 1.15 pm Ms Rajah also asked about the preparedness of the SAF for other types of warfare, like urban warfare. The new Murai Urban Training Facility was built to resemble a typical town and offers realistic urban training and validation of new equipment, tactics and doctrines. Sir, the SAF is ready to confront current and future operational challenges because we have embarked on the transformation to the third generation SAF. Such investments have enabled the SAF to restructure and streamline its training and operational requirements, leading to more effective use of our National Servicemen. Members would recall that this transition to the third generation SAF is what has allowed us to reduce the duration of National Service in 2004, while maintaining the operational readiness and fighting edge of the SAF. So our investment in technology and new equipment has allowed us to reduce the period of National Service. Full-time NS duration is now two years, down from two and a half years, while the NS In-Camp-Training cycle is reduced from 13 years to 10 years. Ms Irene Ng, Mr Arthur Fong, Mr Hawazi and Mr Low Thia Khiang earlier during the main Budget debate and Ms Ho Geok Choo asked about our defence expenditure. Today’s independent and secure Singapore, is made possible by a capable SAF which is the direct product of our steady and prudent investments in defence over the years. The Government’s policy is to invest steadily on defence – like an insurance policy. While the Government is prepared to spend up to 6% of GDP on defence, we have not always used this full amount, and indeed invest only what is needed.”
“The Army's 2nd People's Defence Force Headquarters was restructured as the Island Defence Headquarters and has since been working with Home Team agencies to monitor and respond to security threats. This year, the Navy’s Coastal Command will be restructured as another SAF-level task force – the Maritime Security Task Force – which will work closely with the Police Coast Guard, Maritime Port Authority, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Customs to ensure national coordination in maritime security. Mr Hawazi Daipi asked if our personnel are ready for the SAF’s restructuring, and Ms Indranee Rajah as well. Today’s recruit is very different from his predecessor. He is better-educated and technologically-savvy. We wish they were a little more physically fit but Dr Ng will speak about that afterwards. The SAF’s new training concepts seek to develop innovative and adaptable soldiers. To maximise each soldier’s potential, the SAF believes in equipping him well. We have introduced the Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS) – a computerised system worn by the soldier that comprises communication, image-gathering and navigational technologies. So this third generation transformation is going down to the section and soldier level. ACMS allows the basic infantry section to tap on a wider range of combat resources such as fire support from other units. We are equipping our key training schools and several battalions with the ACMS, and will continue to make improvements and upgrades in future. Members would have received a notebook in your little pack with the print of the new pixelised combat uniform. The new uniform has improved functional design, dissipates heat better, and enhances combat survivability.”
“Ms Indranee Rajah and Mr Zainudin Nordin asked about the third generation SAF. The SAF’s transformation is on track. The first of our four Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft will arrive later this month to replace the E-2C Hawkeye that has served us well for over 20 years. Last November, our first F-15SG fighter plane, which replaces the A4 Skyhawks, rolled off the Boeing factory production line. Both aircraft will add new dimensions to Singapore’s air defence capabilities. Last month, the final two of the Navy’s six frigates were commissioned, replacing the Missile Gunboats, which have served Singapore well since the 1970s. The frigates are now fully operational and have taken part in highly demanding exercises in the Indian Ocean and off Hawaii. We have inducted the Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks and more crews will be sent for training in Germany next month. The SAF constantly hones its readiness and validates new fighting concepts through realistic exercises. Last May, I visited the Division Exercise, Lightning Warrior, in South Africa. This exercise validated the Division’s ability to integrate the SAF’s air and land capabilities to see first and strike first, in order to decisively influence the battle’s outcome. The Air-Land Tactical Control Centre was also exercised during Exercise Wallaby in Australia last November. This exercise involved 3,600 full-time National Servicemen and NSmen, and platforms such as F-16s, Pegasus lightweight artillery howitzers and, for the first time, the Leopard Tanks. The SAF is also restructuring to better respond to current and future security challenges. Last year, the Air Force completed its major reorganisation into five mission-oriented functional commands.”
“Our servicemen there can also contribute, in a small way, to make a long-term difference to the lives of the Afghan people, while enhancing Singapore’s overall security. Mr Michael Palmer also asked whether National Service personnel are deployed for these missions. In the case of Afghanistan, we have only deployed regular servicemen. If suitable Full-time or Operationally-Ready National Servicemen wish to volunteer, they may do so and we will treat their period of service with the mission as regular service. Besides Afghanistan, Singapore has been contributing to multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq since 2003. The SAF has made five deployments of Landing Ships Tank, five deployments of KC-135 tanker aircraft and one deployment of C-130 transport aircraft in support of coalition operations in Iraq in the last five years. Significant progress has been made in Iraq after these five years. The Iraqi security forces are now prepared to take over the responsibility of providing security for the Iraqi people. As such, coalition forces are now in a position to begin their phased withdrawals. Singapore's commitments to stabilisation operations in Iraq will therefore also come to an end. I am sure that Members of this House will join me in acknowledging the contributions of our 998 SAF Servicemen, some of whom have served multiple tours, to the multinational reconstruction efforts in Iraq over the past five years. Sir, even as we contribute to international and regional security, the SAF’s primary mission is to defend Singapore. Today, Singapore relies on an SAF that possesses a full spectrum of capabilities to deter aggression and respond flexibly from peacetime operations to full-scale combat operations.”
“Where there is important work to be done, there will be risks. To mitigate the risks, we make sure that our servicemen are well equipped and trained, and receive additional training specific to their mission and area of operation. For instance, our medical team in Oruzgan underwent rigorous pre-deployment training which included modules to sharpen their weapon handling skills, identify and mitigate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threats, as well as react to hostile elements. Our servicemen have to be vigilant at all times to respond to unexpected situations that may arise. Sir, our missions in Afghanistan have a direct link to Singapore’s security. Members will recall that key members of the JI cell in Singapore received training in Afghanistan, including its leader Ibrahim Maidin. The JI had hatched plans to attack various targets in Singapore even before the 11 September 2001 attack in the US, and before coalition forces went into Afghanistan and overthrew the Taliban. Members will also recall that a copy of a video-tape of the JI reconnaissance of Yishun MRT station was found in the rubble of the house of the Al Qaeda leader Mohd Atef in Kabul in 2001. In February 2007, a 28-year-old self-radicalised Singaporean lawyer was arrested and detained after attempting to pursue militant jihad in Afghanistan. Singapore is making these deployments to show our support and assist in a meaningful way in the stabilisation and reconstruction efforts so as to prevent extremists from using Afghanistan to export terrorism. Sir, last Sunday in Munich, I spoke with the Afghan National Security Adviser Dr Zalmai Rassoul, and listened to Afghan President Hamid Karzai speak about his hopes and plans for the future of his country amidst the many challenges that they face.”
“In 2008, we continued our SAF deployments with the New Zealand Defence Force’s Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Bamiyan that we had started in 2007, by deploying a construction engineering team there for two rotations totalling six months. During their deployment, the teams supervised the construction of a Regional Health Training Centre and a Security Wall around the Bamiyan University Dormitory. We expect to make a similar contribution of a construction engineering team to Bamiyan this year. In addition, since November 2008, the SAF has deployed a 20-man medical team to Oruzgan Province, for two rotations totalling six months, to provide primary healthcare and ward capabilities in support of the Dutch and Australian forces deployed there. We are also exploring additional operationally useful contributions, within our capabilities and resources, to the UN-mandated, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. We are now working on the details of a three-month deployment of a KC-135 tanker aircraft in the later part of this year to support coalition operations over Afghanistan. We also know that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities are a priority need in Afghanistan. We are thus exploring the deployment of such assets, eg, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Task Group, to Afghanistan to enhance ISAF’s situational awareness and security. Mr Palmer also asked about the risks faced by our soldiers in Afghanistan. Our deployments do involve risks to our servicemen, which can be significant. Attacks from rockets and Improvised Explosive Devices are common in Oruzgan. In Bamiyan, such attacks are less frequent. The SAF has to undertake these missions even though they do entail risks.”
“Navy ships conduct round-the-clock patrols and last year alone escorted 1,900 merchant ships carrying sensitive cargo in the Singapore Straits. Accompanying Sea Security Teams, comprising Navy and Coast Guard armed sea marshals last year boarded and accompanied 1,100 selected vessels coming into Singapore’s ports. To further strengthen inter-agency collaboration, the SAF annually conducts Exercise APEX, for all maritime agencies to validate and review their operational plans. In fact, Exercise APEX 2009 commenced earlier this week. The SAF has also restructured the Navy’s Coastal Command as the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF), which I will speak on a little later. However, Singapore’s security cannot just be the concern of Government agencies. Security is a national responsibility, as several Members have pointed out, and all of us must offer additional eyes and ears to enhance our vigilance. Every Singaporean must develop strong communal ties and mutual trust with fellow Singaporeans, so that if we are ever hit, our people will remain cohesive and have the resilience to quickly bounce back. Every citizen has a role to play. This is the crux of Total Defence, which is an important topic which Assoc. Prof. Koo will speak on later. Terrorism respects no boundaries, and cannot be resolved by any one nation acting alone. Mr Michael Palmer asked about Singapore’s contributions to international security operations. Singapore remains committed to doing its part for the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Since 2001, we have contributed SAF deployments, assistance-in-kind and training courses for Afghan personnel.”
“Ms Indranee Rajah, Dr Mohamad Maliki, and Mr Michael Palmer asked what lessons the SAF can learn from the attacks in Mumbai. The Mumbai attacks are the latest in a string of global attacks. They are a grim reminder that terrorism remains a common and persistent threat to all nations, and that the costs stemming from a failure to be vigilant are great. Singapore continues to be a target, and we have to remain on our guard. Initial studies of the Mumbai attacks have underscored the critical need for intelligence, early warning and prevention capabilities to discover, detect and deter these threats. Close inter-agency teamwork are essential to counter the threat. The SAF, therefore, works closely with homefront agencies to support our national counter-terrorism strategy of "prevent, protect and respond". Following the August 2007 amendments to the SAF Act passed by this House, SAF troops have been deployed to assist the Singapore Police Force in a number of major security operations last year, and to continue with the protection of key installations. The Air Force and Navy conduct air and maritime security operations in close coordination with their respective civilian counterparts. The SAF also maintains high-end capabilities, on high readiness, such as the Special Operations Force for intervention and hostage rescue, and units for chemical and biological defence. Sir, the terrorists entered Mumbai via the sea. The SAF has invested significantly to deter and respond to transnational terrorist threats in the Singapore Straits which is used by more than 1,000 vessels each day. Our Navy works closely with the Port Authority and the Coast Guard to improve our radar and electro-optical sensor network.”
“In recent months, NATO, the European Union, the US, as well as countries such as China, India, Malaysia and Russia, have contributed to anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden. Other countries, including Japan and Turkey have announced their intention to send naval vessels. Singapore will be joining these efforts by deploying a Landing Ship Tank, with two Super Puma helicopters embarked, for a period of three months this year. The ship will work with the newly-formed Combined Task Force 151 to protect shipping in the Gulf of Aden. She will deploy once the operational arrangements have been made. Why are we doing this? As a maritime nation, Singapore shares the concerns of the international community regarding piracy, and is committed to supporting international efforts to keep the sea lanes safe and secure. It is not possible for any country, Singapore included, to protect its own shipping on its own in all the key sea lanes of the world. All countries, therefore, have to depend on international cooperation to secure the sea lanes for everyone's use. Littoral states, user states, and the international community all have a role to play. Our priority will still be on ensuring the security of the Straits of Singapore and Malacca, but we are also playing our part, through this small but meaningful contribution, as part of a multinational force to protect international shipping in the Gulf of Aden. Such international cooperative measures will help all ships, including Singapore ships, which should also take the necessary self-protection measures, such as the appropriate routes, speed and timing for their passage to minimise their likelihood of being attacked. 1.00 pm Mr Ang Mong Seng and Mr Michael Palmer asked how we can prevent a terrorist attack.”
“Indeed, the security challenges we face today come from all directions "360-degrees" and have the potential to undermine our security – and our region's security. Piracy is one of these. Mr Ang Mong Seng and Mr Michael Palmer have asked about piracy in the Malacca Strait and the Gulf of Aden. By threatening the freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping, piracy adversely impacts the global economy and regional security. The Straits of Singapore and Malacca, and the Gulf of Aden, are vital waterways connecting Asia and Europe. In the Malacca Strait, the three littoral states – Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia – started the Malacca Strait Patrols in 2004 to combat piracy. The grouping has now expanded to include Thailand. The number of piracy incidents in the Malacca Strait has declined significantly, from a high of 21 in 2004 to six in 2008. These are figures from the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). But some analysts have predicted that the economic crisis may cause piracy to rise. For example, last November, Indonesian Navy spokesman Sagom Tamboem told journalists, and I quote, "we predict that with the global crisis, there will be more pirates and illegal activities taking place in the Malacca Strait." This is a realistic assessment. Therefore, we will have to maintain our efforts in the Malacca Strait. User states can also share information through the ReCAAP, which I mentioned earlier. In the Gulf of Aden, there has been a recent upsurge of piracy attacks. In the past year, over 100 ships have been attacked by pirates, who have raked in an estimated ransom of US$120 million dollars.”
“There are also unexpected threats that we have not yet foreseen – the unknown unknowns. Amidst these emerging challenges, we must not lose sight of the need for small states like Singapore to always be prepared to safeguard our security and sovereignty. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 is a constant reminder. A country which does not provide for its own defence leaves its future and its fate in the hands of others. I have just returned from the Munich Security Conference. In Munich, each year, I meet many Defence and Foreign Ministers from countries born out of the break up of the former Soviet Union and the former Yugoslavia – small countries mostly. They value their independence all the more because it is so recent, and so hard won; and in some cases, so tenuous. They worry about their security. But not all have been able to provide for it – they either have not had enough time or they do not have the resources. Just in the past two years, several of these new countries have faced dire security threats ranging from ethnic strife to territorial and energy disputes, which have resulted in armed conflict, loss of life and territory, interruption of energy supplies and cyber attacks. These have caused severe damage and, in some cases, break-up of the countries affected. A deepening economic crisis will compound existing security challenges, making them more acute. Countries that are seriously affected could face social and possibly political instability and turmoil. In Britain, France and Greece, strikes and demonstrations have already broken out. As the economic slowdown bites, sources of stress and tension will increase. We saw this in our own region in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.”
“In 2005, we concluded the Strategic Framework Agreement and Defence Cooperation Agreement. The high tempo of defence exchanges, benefits both armed forces professionally. In addition to the three existing F-16, Chinook and Apache training detachments in the US, our Air Force will establish a new F-15SG training detachment in Mountain Home, Idaho, this year. With China, the signing of the Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation last year was a milestone in our bilateral defence relationship. We also inaugurated the annual China-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue, and have continued with high-level defence visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and port calls. Bilateral relations with India have taken significant strides since the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2003, reflecting the wide-ranging and growing Singapore-India bilateral defence relationship. We signed a Bilateral Agreement with India for Joint Army training and exercises last year, and the Bilateral Agreement on Air Force training in 2007. Our relations with Australia and New Zealand remain warm and strong. Through bilateral exercises, exchanges and common deployments previously to East Timor and now to Afghanistan, we have developed a deep understanding with both countries. Singapore also enjoys good defence relations with Japan and Korea, and has good defence cooperation with France, Germany, Sweden and South Africa. Regional stability is crucial, particularly against the backdrop of today's inter-connected world. Nations face a spectrum of multi-faceted, complex and trans-border security challenges. They include terrorism, piracy, sectarianism, competition for resources, natural disasters, pandemics and cross-border movements of people.”
“This key event, which will be held for the eighth time this year, has played a useful and unique role in sharing security perspectives, promoting confidence and transparency, and evolving new modalities for cooperation and norms of behaviour amongst countries in our region. Last year, the Ministers discussed principles for cooperation, particularly for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. MINDEF contributes to the building of this regional security architecture in two ways: (1) by contributing ideas and concepts to help crystallise the security architecture; and (2) by having a capable SAF which can engage meaningfully with our ASEAN friends and partner countries, and contribute useful capabilities towards regional cooperative activities. Without either of these, Singapore will play a much more diminished role and we will not have the same voice at the table. Our multilateral engagements within the region are supported by a strong network of bilateral defence relations, particularly with Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei. Every year, the SAF takes part in numerous bilateral exercises with each of these neighbours. These interactions also add breadth and depth to our relationships, and contribute to regional stability. Singapore has also been actively engaging key countries from beyond our immediate region because they play a useful and constructive role in our region. We have a strong and longstanding relationship with the US. We welcome a US presence in our region. The sustained US presence is an important stabilising influence in the Asia-Pacific region. We have demonstrated our support through the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding, and its 1998 Addendum which allows US ships and aircraft to use Singapore's facilities.”
“This shift will also impact regional security, where the interests of the major powers – energy sources, sea lines of communications, markets – intersect, and overlay the region's traditional diversity and rivalries. It is not coincidental that tensions abound in the countries bordering the Caspian Sea and in Central Asia, where pipeline politics, energy and historical animosities provide a volatile mix. In our region, it is thus even more important that we continue to build an open, stable and inclusive regional security architecture that will help sustain peace and stability for the longer term. ASEAN has a key role to play in this. ASEAN facilitates and shapes multilateral fora, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), is an important part of this architecture, where ASEAN defence ministers come together to build a more cohesive ASEAN security community that can help shape the wider security architecture of our region. The ADMM has agreed on the principles for the ADMM-Plus, where ASEAN countries can engage our partners in the larger Asia-Pacific to address common security challenges. Other multilateral and bilateral security arrangements also play a useful role. One example is the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which bring together Malaysia and Singapore and anchor its extra-regional partners Australia, New Zealand and the UK in the region. The annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore is the only forum where defence ministers, senior officials, and academics from the region and beyond gather for an informal and frank exchange of views.”