HEAD J - MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]: Head J – Ministry of Defence

The Chairman: Head J – Ministry of Defence. Ms Indranee Rajah.

Security Environment

Ms Indranee Rajah (Tanjong Pagar): Sir, I beg to move,

That the total sum to be allocated for Head J of the Estimates be reduced by $100.

Sir, right now, the world does not appear to be a very safe place. September 11th, 2001 marked the beginning of a new era in which we saw a rapid deterioration of global safety and security. Since that time, we have seen the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the after-shocks of September 11th have

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spilled over to the region, and now we have to be constantly on the alert for potential terrorist threats. We are also right now in the middle of a global financial crisis. And history has shown that whenever there are severe economic problems, this is often followed by political problems and instability. Political instability, in turn, often leads to problems in security if a Government loses the ability to lead strongly and firmly. The United States, once regarded as a leader in the unipolar world, is now preoccupied with its own domestic issues. The Obama Administration is focused on the herculean task of pulling the US economy out of its present quagmire. Iran and Afghanistan are still problem areas, and there is tension between India and Pakistan arising out of the recent Mumbai attacks. Europe is preoccupied as well with the global financial crisis. In the midst of all these, we have China which is still, as yet, an unknown factor on the global security scene.

ASEAN, meanwhile, remains the foremost regional grouping, but our ASEAN neighbours also have their own domestic issues to attend to as well as the challenges posed by the current credit crunch. So it appears as though the world is very much in a state of flux right now, and it seems as if the tides of change are lapping at our shores. Whenever we have this kind of potential vacuum, we know that nature abhors a vacuum. Vacuums tend to lead to instability.

I would like to ask the Minister for his assessment of what our current security challenges are in the face of this backdrop of a global economic crisis as well as the potential security challenges that the world faces. It seems as though there are these momentous events that are shaping the world and Singapore, a small little red dot, is right in the middle of it, too small to make a huge impact on the scale of world events but, at the same time, in a position where we will be affected by

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whatever happens. We obviously need to be ready. We obviously need to know what our challenges are. We need to know what we can do to protect our own sovereignty and our own security.

I would like to ask the Minister what he thinks the security architecture is currently, both globally as well as for the region, and to give his assessment on what he thinks Singapore can and should do given this environment.

Mr Arthur Fong (West Coast): Sir, the world has not seen a far-reaching economic downward spiral since the Great Depression. This financial pandemic is still wreaking havoc to many businesses and, in turn, making the outlook for many economies seem bleak. The Great Depression had many causes but it is noteworthy that the disparate wealth positions between countries contributed in some way to what instigated World War II.

We are holding our breath to see the effectiveness of the Government's stimulus packages and the central bank policies elsewhere in the world. I believe there exists the potential for security risks between countries caused by the challenges posed by dire economic outcomes. Thus, I would like the Defence Minister's view on whether there are any potential challenges to our immediate security environment. In that eventuality, given Singapore's size, how and what are the measures we may adopt to deal with these challenges to the security environment in the current environment to the current situation?

Finally, if and how is MINDEF working with our neighbours in the region to ensure that the concerns that will impact negatively the security environment around us will not impinge upon the already difficult economic and financial stresses already faced by many of these countries?

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Impact of Economic Crisis on our Security

Mr Ang Mong Seng (Hong Kah): ( In Mandarin ): [For vernacular speech, please refer to Appendix A.] Sir, the recent global economic tsunami has affected the economy of countries all over the world. These include United States, China, Japan, the EU and countries in Southeast Asia. As the economic crisis came so suddenly and it started in the United States, the largest consumer market in the world, many countries that depend on the US market for their exports have been adversely affected. Countries all over the world have launched massive economic stimulus packages to help enterprises that have run short of working capital. I believe those organisations that depend on dubious means to make money also face the prospect of shortage of funds.

Recently, China's merchant ships have been attacked by Somalia pirates in the Gulf of Aden. China had to dispatch war ships to deal with the pirates together with the country's navy. This is a good example. This is a timely reminder to us that we have to be forever vigilant so that the same incident will not happen in the seas around us.

I am quite concerned about the level of safety in the Straits of Malacca because this is the stretch where ships coming and leaving Singapore must pass through. It is also the Straits where Malaysia and Indonesia sea coasts adjoin each other.

Therefore, I would like to ask the Minister whether he has any plans to work with Malaysia and Indonesia collectively to safeguard the safety of the Straits so as to prevent pirates from attacking ships from passing through the Straits. Otherwise, this will only worsen the economic recession we are already in.

*Cols. 3133-3134.

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Defence Spending

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong (Tampines): Sir, some Members inside and outside this House have asked if defence spending should be cut during this economic recession. Similar questions had been asked in previous years and, each time, the Defence Minister's stock reply was that we should not take a feast-and-famine approach in our defence spending. Sir, I agree that a feast-and-famine approach should be avoided. The principle of steadily building up our defence capabilities with a long-term horizon is a sound one. The question is: should the Defence Ministry be having a feast while the other Ministries, indeed, the entire economy, suffer from famine? In this Budget, this House has been told that the economic recession is quite extraordinary, so extraordinary that we have to draw on our reserves for the first time.

During the debate, we have been scrutinising the tight budgets of the other Ministries while their demands have been rising. We need more affordable Eldercare centres and nursing home. We need more funds to beef up our people sector, such as the Family Service Centres. We need more affordable housing for the lower-income, and so on.

Despite their increasing demands, all Ministries, which also need to take a long-term view, are not recession-proof, except for the Defence Ministry. As a policy, it can spend up to 6% of GDP no matter what happens.

I know that, in practice, defence spending has been kept lower. Nevertheless, it is valid to ask if the principle itself, of making the Defence budget recession-proof, is itself a defensible one. It is worth revisiting, with an open mind, the rationale for the magic number of 6%. Why 6% and not, say, 4%, 7% or 9%? Why give any number at all?

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Our situation today, and also the size of our GDP, is different from that in 1965 when we had to build up our defence from scratch and take an aggressive approach in our spending. In this more mature stage of Singapore's development, why should not the Defence budget be decided like that of the other Ministries – constantly reappraised so as to take into account the needs, expectations, changes in the internal and external realities, while keeping the long-term commitment to steady investment.

Let me be clear. I am not arguing that we cut the Defence Budget as a matter of course in a recession. I am asking that we review the basis of our principle of committing 6% of our GDP to the Defence Ministry, regardless of external or internal realities. This review should be beyond the numbers. It should also include a review of our threats and the sort of conflicts and wars that the future will likely bring. The changing security landscape in Asia will have a profound impact on our security. Beijing said its defence spending would rise 17.6% this year to 417.8 billion yuan . That is equivalent to about 1.45% of China's GDP. The US, by contrast, spends 4.6% of its GDP on defence and Britain, 3%.

While China's military spending, along with that of Russia and South Korea, is expanding rapidly, that of Japan is declining on a GDP-relative basis. In other words, a de facto balance of military forces is emerging in this region. What will this mean for our SAF?

I would like to ask the Minister to look at how we can strengthen our SAF but, at the same time, review our Defence budget to see how we can optimise our spending and make sure that we are more strategic in building up our arsenal and alliances. I would like the Minister's assurance that there is a constant reappraisal of our defence spending needs and that proper scrutiny is being applied.

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Defence Expenditure

Mr Arthur Fong: Sir, the financial and economic crises are creating new social and political stresses all around. Economists in our region are in difficulty and the prospect of more job losses seems inevitable.

The fall in global consumption appears to be long term. It is likely to be aggravated when businesses react by decreasing or stopping investments in production capacity due to lower expectations of future sales, even if lower interest rates make capital inexpensive.

Sir, the investment climate is usually predicated on optimism. In the current climate where optimism is low or dissipating, I fear the potential flashpoints for terrorism and security challenges that are ever present will be heightened. Any incident between displaced groups or countries teetering on collapse within the current crisis will cast us into a tailspin.

The United States of America is spending US$100 billion annually in their campaign in Iraq. The financial meltdown is making American law-makers queasy about increasing defence spending. This will affect America's role as the protagonist in policing many troubled spots around the world.

Our immediate security environment is also severely tested. There may be new flashpoints in the horizon brought on by the threat of terrorism or by the discontent of economically disadvantaged groups. Sir, I note that my colleague, Mdm Ho, in her speech on the Budget had called on the Government to relook at defence spending in these difficult times. But I beg to differ. I am of the opinion that, now more than ever, we must not shy away from investing in our defence force.

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Sir, we are celebrating the 25th year of Total Defence, and we have invested wisely to bring our SAF to where it is today. Defence expenditure is not only to develop but, more importantly, to maintain our defence capabilities. Once lost or diminished, who can say what it will take to recover and rebuild our armed forces in the aftermath of a security crisis? It is like turning on a television 20 years ago when it took a while for us to see a picture on the screen. Nowadays, when we turn on the television, it is solid state, it comes on – so also must be our defence force. It has to be at the solid state level where operational capabilities need to be on at the flick of a switch.

I call on the Defence Minister to assure the House that our SAF's capabilities will not be compromised in any way, even as we are facing this rough patch in this global economic slowdown. I support MINDEF's attempts to maintain and enhance the capability of our SAF. We already have a cap of 6% of GDP and I think that should be maintained. The defence expenditure of 28% of the total budget is not only necessary but vital.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Acting Minister for Manpower and Minister for Health (Mr Hawazi Daipi): Sir, a strong defence force is critical for a small nation like Singapore. We must be grateful that for more than 40 years, the Singapore Armed Forces had served us well. It has provided us with the protection against military interference. It has deterred military pressures against Singapore. That is why, even when we are facing a recession now, we must continue to give defence the necessary financial support and muscle to ensure that Singapore's security continues to be safeguarded.

While I support generally the Government's stated policy of spending up to

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6% of GDP on defence, generally, MINDEF spends between 4.5% and 5% of the GDP annually. I think the key principle that we can abide by or hold on to is value-for-money.

May I ask the Minister about MINDEF's thinking on defence expenditure for the next five-10 years? Is the current allocation sufficient to ensure the continued operational readiness of the SAF, considering the military decision of countries around the region?

12.15 pm

Terrorism

Ms Indranee Rajah: Sir, terrorism remains one of our biggest security challenges today and the problem is that terrorists are constantly looking for new ways and methods to wreak havoc and destruction and to inflict maximum damage on civilian populations. It seems as though the security forces are always playing a catch-up game.

In 2001, it was the use of airplanes to crash into buildings. So we had to take measures for airport security checks. We had to worry about air defence. In 2002, there was the plot to plant a bomb at the Yishun MRT. So we strengthened measures at the MRT. In 2003, we had the Bali bombings. So we had to take measures at Holland Village as well as at other soft targets, like pubs and nightclubs. Then there were the hotel bombings. So we had to take measures at our hotels as well. And, most recently, last year, there were terrorist attacks in Mumbai, and the ease with which the terrorists took over the hotels was quite dismaying, and it raises the question of whether a similar incident like that could occur here in Singapore.

I would like to ask the Minister, firstly, what is the SAF's preparedness to deal

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with unconventional threats like terrorist attacks? Secondly, what are the implications of the Mumbai terrorist attacks for us, and whether there are any lessons for the SAF arising from that particular incident? I noted, for example, there were three security heads in India travelling in the same vehicle. When the terrorists took out that vehicle, there was a loss of command as a result. The Mumbai attacks also emphasised the fact that an urban engagement with terrorists is a very real possibility. I would like to ask the Minister how prepared are we for urban warfare, in terms of training, equipment and facilities?

The Chairman: Mr Michael Palmer, please take your two cuts together.

Mr Michael Palmer (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Sir, terrorism is a deplorable phenomenon that we in Singapore cannot afford to ignore. We can no longer say that it does not exist here in Singapore nor can we say that Singaporeans are not direct victims of terrorism. Acts of terror occur all around the world everyday. Singapore is part of a globalised economy and more than ever, Singaporeans are travelling abroad for work and for leisure. We cannot delude ourselves that we are removed from the risk of terror attacks. The clearest and more recent reminder of this fact was the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November last year. For the first time, Singapore lost one of our own in a series of brutal terrorist attacks in the heart of India's financial capital. It was also a stark reminder of how vulnerable we all are.

The terrorists that launched these attacks came by sea from Karachi in Pakistan. They gained entry into Mumbai via the Arabian Sea in speedboats that had been carried some of the way on trawlers. It is not difficult to envisage a similar mode of entry into Singapore. The terrorists had planned their attack and their escape route in great detail. They

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spent many months in Mumbai carrying out reconnaissance of the various locations to be attacked, the routes for entry and exit. They blended in with the crowd, as Mumbai is a bustling metropolitan city, again, very much like Singapore.

There are other forms of terrorism as well. In recent months, there have been much media coverage of a string of attacks by pirates off the coast of Somalia. These pirates had attacked both passenger ships as well as cargo ships. They have held the crew hostage and exchanged them for a ransom. Again, the seas off our coastline are not very different. Although pirate attacks are not frequent, pirates are known menace in the waters of our coast and those of our neighbours.

At home, we are not immune to the possibility that a terror attack could occur right in our midst if we are not careful, and if we fail to remain constantly alert and vigilant. Over the years, several suspected terrorist cell members have been detained. In fact, plots have been afoot to blow up several strategic locations in Singapore. If not for the fine intelligence gathering and swift action of our security forces, and that extra bit of luck, the outcome could have been disastrous.

What will happen if the next time we are not so lucky? All it takes is one attack to negate all the attempts that have been thwarted. May I therefore ask the Minister: what are the lessons that MINDEF and the SAF have learnt from the terrorist attacks, such as Mumbai? What lessons can we learn from the pirate attacks off the Somali coast? How can Singapore prevent a terrorist attack? What measures are being taken to ensure that we are as close to being a 100% safe as possible?

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International Peace-keeping Operations

Sir, over the last 40-odd years, the SAF has grown into an extremely credible and formidable defence force. In fact, a few years ago, the SAF began moving from a second generation armed force to a third generation armed force. Today, we have an armed force which is made up of regular personnel, National Servicemen and National Service reserves.

A clear indicator of the level of development of our armed forces is its participation in peace-keeping missions. Since 1989, the SAF has contributed over 1,200 personnel for UN missions. This participation has grown both in scale and in complexity in recent years. This demonstrates SAF's commitment in supporting the regional security architecture.

To date, I believe Singapore has been involved in 13 operations in 11 different countries. May I ask the Minister to please elaborate on the following: (1) What is Singapore's current contributions to international peace-keeping operations? (2) What are the risks faced by our soldiers in Afghanistan? (3) Have there been any casualties suffered during these missions? (4) Have there been any fatalities? (5) Aside from regular personnel, do National Service personnel take part in these missions?

Regional Security

Mr Zainudin Nordin (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Sir, in his keynote speech at the 6th Asia Security Summit last year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called on Asian countries to continue to work together and strengthen their framework of cooperation. He stated, "One challenge for Asia is to develop the right framework for regional cooperation, within which countries can deepen cooperation, discuss sensitive issues and contain and manage

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frictions so as to ensure a stable environment in Asia for the benefit of all."

Sir, the economic crisis will see the creation of a new world order not only in the financial market. More than that, the crisis and the resulting disarray may prompt militant and terrorist groups to regroup and create havoc in some countries. This is where countries must establish not only good diplomatic relations, but also build up a networking and trust between their military forces so that they can present a united front against such groups.

While the overall regional security outlook for the Asia-Pacific remains largely positive, many uncertainties remain. With growing economic cooperation and traction towards integrated markets in Asia, a framework of regional cooperation appears to be emerging. However, Sir, major challenges, like terrorism, maritime security, competing boundary claims and growing competition for scarce resources, will still need to be carefully managed. We are all aware of the damage done by the pirate attacks in the waters of Somalia, and the potential risk of these incidents in our surrounding waters.

Sir, our nation's peace and prosperity are inevitably linked to the region's stability. As we become more integrated with the global economy, we should be cognisant that both our security and economic well-being will become even more susceptible to any instability in our external environment.

In these uncertain times, may I ask the Minister how do we ensure peace and stability in our region? We must acknowledge that regional security and stability is best served by having an open and inclusive security architecture that comprises strong bilateral relationships

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and multi-lateral arrangements, especially with the strong and emerging powers. What is the status of our bilateral relationships with these powers? Have we done enough to strengthen and deepen these bilateral ties with them? Are there plans to open new areas of cooperation apart from exchanges of visits? Sir, how do we balance these relationships with the new emerging powers vis-a-vis the existing big powers?

Closer to home, Sir, what about our closest neighbours? Have we made enough and much improvement in defence cooperation in our relationship with our neighbours like Malaysia and Indonesia?

Sir, like my parliamentary colleagues, I am also concerned about the progress and development of our defence system. With respect to this, I would also like to enquire on SAF's 3rd Generation transformation journey and operational readiness. How do we compare to our regional neighbours in terms of defence resources and capability?

Regional Security and Operational Readiness

Mr Hawazi Daipi: Sir, our defence security and safety must be intertwined and interlinked to that of other countries in the region. In these uncertain times and with the continued threat of terrorism and the positive increase in piracy in the region, how do we, together with our neigbouring countries and partners, ensure peace and stability in our region? Are countries in the region cooperating more or competing more, military-wise? Thirdly, in that context, what is the status of our bilateral relations with our neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia and the big emerging powers around the region? My fourth and last question is: are our military personnel ready for the restructuring that SAF is undergoing now?

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The Chairman: Ms Indranee Rajah, you may take your two cuts together.

3rd Generation SAF

Ms Indranee Rajah: Sir, in the current security climate where countries have to deal not only with conventional threats but also with unconventional threats, like terrorism, the effectiveness of a defence force is not just about the number of the personnel or how much hardware we have. The effectiveness of our SAF depends very much on the quality of the men and women in the SAF, their ability to work together within a structured chain of command and yet, at the same time, to be able to think, adapt, innovate and to show intelligence and initiative. Quantity is important but quality is even more so.

In the past few years, the SAF has begun the process of transforming into a third generation, or 3G SAF. Change within a big organisation is never easy. It is easy to give something a label to, say, 3G SAF, but the real question is: what does that change entail, and is that change and transformation taking place? Is it permeating to all levels and does it reach operationally to the ground?

Also, in this sort of transformation, technology plays an important role. We buy weapons and systems from abroad. But are we also developing our own systems and equipment for the 3G SAF? What is the status of our defence technology? I would be grateful if the Minister could let us know whether we are using part of the defence budget to invest in defence technology and R&D to enhance the capability of a 3G SAF.

Fitness

Sir, I move on now to my next cut on fitness. I wish to ask the Minister about the fitness of our NSmen on two aspects. Whilst they are doing NS, they are fine,

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they have to be fit – no choice. But before they start NS, how fit are they when they come before they start to do Basic Military Training (BMT)? Are they properly pre-conditioned before they start their BMT? Because if they are not fit, then it is not good for them and it is not good for the SAF either. Then, after they have finished their NS, they have to be operationally ready. Here, Sir, I think is the biggest challenge, whether our NSmen are sufficiently fit. They obviously have to contend with the challenges of lifestyle: drinking, smoking, diet. I am not suggesting that all our NSmen drink, smoke and overeat. I am just saying that these are challenges that they have to contend with in working life. I personally understand how difficult it is in order to maintain one's fitness.

This Parliament would recall that, last year, MINDEF very kindly allowed me to do IPPT with the SAF. One of the lessons I learnt from that personally is the difficulty of the challenge of maintaining a person's fitness while he also has to perform his own work responsibilities. Last year, before I took the IPPT, I was in the middle of a 30-day trial. I was in court every day. I had to finish cross-examining and after that, I had to get out of court and get onto the track and start training. And it was not easy. If I had to deal with that, I can imagine what our NSmen have to cope with. And it made me realise the importance of our NSmen actually having access to proper facilities to train. I realise that there does seem to be – lack of facility is not the right word – but I think that there could be an improvement in access to facilities for training. For example, I know that for training for IPPT, they can go to the gymnasium. But, Sir, I am not a big proponent of training in air-condition. I do not think that we would fight our wars in an air-conditioned environment. Therefore, I think that when our NSmen train to be fit, they should do so in an environment that approximates the reality.

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I decided that I would try an experiment in my own HDB estate. We are doing an R & R. In the R & R, I am going to implement IPPT facilities that would be NAFA compliant - that means the NSmen in my HDB estate can actually do down to the block and use those facilities to train for IPPT. I have asked the Town Council to build a track. Obviously, we cannot do the whole 2.4 kilometres, but we have a track which is 400 metres and they could do multiples of that to train and reach the 2.4 kilometres. This is not a MINDEF issue but probably a Town Council or HDB issue, but I would strongly encourage MPs to include IPPT facilities in their constituencies.

12.30 pm

National Service

Mr Arthur Fong: Mr Chairman, Sir, after the explanation from MINDEF on the rigorous medical tests that pre-enlistees have to undergo, I cannot help but wonder if our youth today are fitter but less rugged. Our youth today can avail themselves to more and better sporting facilities to enhance their fitness. This goes a long way to prepare them for National Service. But in spite of better sports amenities and the resources available in our school system, we have seen several young national servicemen dying from their National Service stint.

Given our declining population base, every National Serviceman is an important national asset. Every National Serviceman lost, is a national tragedy.

In Taiwan, there is a degrading term for "softee" youth called the "strawberry generation". They are so-called because like strawberries, the Taiwanese youth are thought to crush easily under pressure, so lacking in ruggedness.

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Do we have the same phenomenon here, in spite of all our physically fit young men having to go through the rigour of National Service? Post-National Service youth are definitely tougher. But the concern is with our pre-enlistment youth and how to add that quality of ruggedness to stand them in a better position to endure the toughness of National Service training.

One of the reasons for the strawberry-like phenomenon, perhaps, could be because of the rise in obesity in our youth. About 10 years ago, the proportion of overweight youth was about 2.8 percent points of the total population. But last year, it has gone up to 3.6%. This may be a worrying trend. On the positive note, we do have a fitter younger generation compared to 10 years ago. In 1998, the percentage of youth passing the National Physical Fitness test (NAPFA) was 74% and the percentage has risen to 80% last year.

Defence Minister Teo once said, our youth are "fitter, but less rugged". Perhaps, another reason could be that parents mollycoddle their children or even over indulge in them. A lot has to do with the home environment where domestic help take care of everything from packing the child's bag to clearing up after him. Since there is little we can do to improve his ruggedness at home, I would be interested to hear from MINDEF what can be done to enhance the ruggedness of our young people, especially in relation to their National Service training?

Full-time National Serviceman

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman): Sir, National Service has evolved over the last four decades. NS is seen as a rite of passage for male Singaporeans – being transformed from boys to men. MINDEF's role is to transform them from civilians to

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soldiers. Sir, I would like to raise two issues regarding NS.

First is the impact of the reduction in the duration of NS. As the SAF graduates into a 3G defence force, the duration of full-time National Service has been reduced to two years. The shortened duration of service, while welcomed by the men, might have effects on the operations of MINDEF, in effectively executing the training programmes and ensuring that the NSmen arrive at the same level of competence as their predecessors. Has MINDEF assessed the impact of the reduction in duration on the quality of training and level of competence of our NSFs?

Sir, the reduction in duration of service also implies a more hectic training schedule and possibly lead to a lesser sense of commitment on the part of the NSFs. How does MINDEF ensure that NSFs continue to be sufficiently motivated and committed to defence?

The second point, Sir, relates to the scheduling of NS enlistment. Given the flexible nature as a result of the modular system in many of our post-secondary institutions, like the ITEs and polytechnics, the graduation period of NS-liable boys vary significantly. Many have plans to further their studies after NS. However, the dates of NS enlistment sometimes affect their plans significantly, especially if they plan to study overseas. In some cases, it would mean that the boy has to wait almost a year after completing his full-time National Service to start his undergraduate programme. How does MINDEF manage such intake requests (be it early or later) of NSFs affected by such circumstances?

Flexibility in NS Obligations

Ms Eunice Elizabeth Olsen (Nominated Member): Sir, I read in December the story

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of Keegan Ng in the Straits Times . He was the second Singaporean child to win the Marion S Gray Outstanding Musician Award at 11 and had wanted to study piano at the Eastman School of Music in New York. But he was told he had to complete National Service first. Eventually, he moved on from his music.

The story reminded me about violin prodigy Ike See, who was rejected twice when he applied to defer NS. He finally got to study at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music after he opted for a two-year diploma instead of a three-year course.

As a musician, I know how vital it is to continuously hone one's skills, and I think the Ministry could be more flexible in granting deferments. I am speaking not just for musicians but all rare Singaporean talents. This may seem odd, since I have clearly not done NS before. But I raise this issue because others who have served NS have voiced their support for such Singaporeans. We should encourage this culture of affirmation.

The Minister has said before that the principles of universality and equity must apply to NS. I agree on universality. This is not a call for NS exemptions. But we should strike a balance on equity. We must not take it too far or we will lose the opportunity to help build a more enlightened society.

If equity is all, should not those who had served two and a half years of NS now feel a sense of inequity because youth only serve two years? I am really sure that we are better than that.

When NS was new and Singapore was young, it was understandable why the Ministry needed to be very strict after deferments. But if our deferment policy cannot be refined, it says a lot of how much progress our policymakers think our nation has made.

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In fact, I know the Ministry is more flexible. Our national sailors have been granted deferments. I am sure others who have represented Singapore in global competitions have been as well.

I suspect it is easier to grant deferments in these circumstances. I suspect it is harder when it comes to Singaporeans pursuing rare talents, chasing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

But if we accept appeals by organisations such as Singapore Sailing on behalf of sailors, we can also accept appeals by other national bodies, such as the SSO, on behalf of rare musical talents, for example.

Actually, I do not intend to draft an entire deferment mechanism now. I recall how the Finance Minister said the Singapore system "relies on the trust in the individuals in charge" when it came to our reserves. I am sure the Defence Minister will be no less trustworthy to decide on deferments.

Other countries have found a way to do it. So can we, probably better. More importantly, how much do we gain as a nation when we read about stories such as Keegan Ng's? How much more could we gain if we are able to read stories that celebrate rare talents who can put us on the world map and see policies that support them?

Sir, this is what the Singapore narrative needs more of now, to strengthen our identity.

The Chairman: Ms Rajah, you have three cuts. Take them together. Four minutes total.

Recognition of NSmen

Ms Indranee Rajah: Thank you, Mr Chairman. I would like to speak first on

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the topic of recognition of NSmen. Sir, NSmen play an important role in the defence of Singapore. They are not only required to serve full time for two years (and for some of them, it was two and a half years in the past) but they have to remain operationally-ready until age 40 for Warrant Officers and age 50 for Officers. They are also liable to be called up at short notice, and this means work disruption for them.

I see this personally in my work life because I have a number of young male lawyers in my team who are liable to be called up for reservist duty. When they are called up, before they go for reservist, they often have to put in additional hours to make sure that their work is cleared before they go for reservist. In some cases, if they are allowed to book out, they come back in the evenings, on weekends, on public holidays, just to ensure that their work is cleared on time to meet the client demands. This is not to say that I am a particularly hard task master. It is just that they are very professional in what they do and the nature of their job is such that it cannot always be delegated to others. So they come back to make sure that they do the job properly.

I just cite this as an example of a situation that I am familiar with. But I have no doubt that there are many other NSmen who have the same wholehearted commitment to both their work and to their NS duty and this entails both dedication and sacrifice on their part. It also impacts on the time that they have available to spend with their families or just simply time for themselves.

Sir, I would like to ask the Minister what efforts have been made to recognise and acknowledge the contributions of our NSmen and also, since the NS duties inevitably impinge on their work responsibilities, having an understanding and supportive employer is important. So,

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could the Minister let us know what level of employer support there is for NS generally?

Bullying in Camps

I was concerned when I read in the newspapers last month about an incident when NS recruit was badly beaten up by his camp mates. His camp mates were apparently unhappy about his attitude in carrying out his duties and their solution to this was to confront him and beat him up with wooden poles. He was beaten so badly that he was hospitalised for several weeks. I understand though that the attackers have been formally charged with criminal offences and sentenced, and rightly so.

This particular incident is now closed. But I would like to ask the Minister whether this type of conduct is typical or prevalent in the SAF because our NSmen are drawn from all walks of life with very different educational backgrounds. Some may have been members of youth gangs prior to doing their NS. Their idea of how to settle a dispute is very different from what we might regard as acceptable. So what steps is the SAF taking to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again?

Total Defence

Sir, I totally support the concept of Total Defence. My question though is whether this concept has fully permeated to all levels of Singapore's society and whether everyone fully understands that the defence of Singapore is not just the job of the SAF, but of every Singaporean – man, woman or child – whether you are working, whether you are a senior citizen, whether you are a school-going youth.

The SAF has done a very good job of promoting its image as a defence force. So much so that many people

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automatically think that defence is purely the job of the SAF. Not everybody understands and recognises that defence is the responsibility of every Singaporean. But not all understand this. Let me just bring up one example which underscores it. People should remember that the first Singapore victim to international terrorism was a woman. She was not an SAF officer. She was not somebody in the security forces. She was a young lawyer, and she was the first victim of international terrorism. So the security challenges that we face come home to us personally. It is our home to defend. It is our responsibility to take, not just the SAF's.

Sir, I would like to ask the Minister what efforts are being made to promote Total Defence as a concept applicable to all Singaporeans.

The Chairman: Dr Maliki, you have two cuts. Four minutes.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Sir, this Sunday, 15th February is Total Defence Day – our 25th. The siren will be sounded. Every Singaporean will realise that it is Total Defence Day. After the siren stops, everyone will go on with their own lives and continue where they had left of. And we wait for 15th February 2010 before we are reminded again of Total Defence Day, and the siren is sounded again. Sir, is this an accurate scenario? I hope not. It has been 25 years since we launched Total Defence. I would like to ask the Minister how MINDEF determines its effectiveness in making Singaporeans appreciate their role in Total Defence. What is MINDEF's strategy in raising the level of awareness and appreciation of Total Defence amongst Singaporeans, apart from organising events on 15th February and sounding the siren on that day?

Sir, the importance of Total Defence cannot be more underscored now than

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ever before. We are now being struck by the economic tsunami. Everyone is anxious and many feel economically vulnerable. Indeed, economic defence is a key pillar of Total Defence. The Resilience Package in Budget 2009 aims to strengthen our economic defence, ensuring that we do not slip further into a deeper recession.

Sir, while economic defence may be at the top of our minds, I hope Singaporeans will not lose their guards on the other defences – social, psychological, civil and military. This is especially so as the threat of terrorism still exists. I would like to ask the Minister how has Total Defence helped us cope with the security challenges like the threat of global terrorism. Are there lessons that we can learn from the Mumbai attacks to prevent such events from happening in Singapore? If in the unfortunate situation that such an event does happen here, are Singaporeans ready? How can we continue to instil in Singaporeans the importance of embracing and internalising Total Defence and their role in it?

Defence and Youth

While Total Defence is the responsibility of every Singaporean, we must pay particular attention to the younger generation and their understanding and attitude towards defence. The youth are our future and their attitudes will shape their actions and has serious implications on the future of Singapore.

Sir, we have a good and effective SAF. Singaporeans feel secure and confident that we will be able to defend ourselves against any external threats. We attract many foreigners who decide to make Singapore their home because of this sense of security. However, is this sense of security being taken for granted,

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especially amongst the youth in Singapore?

Sir, the Government has been engaging our youth to take ownership of the country through various channels and initiatives. New programmes have been put in place by MCYS and the National Youth Council, for example, the Young ChangeMakers grant, National Youth Forum, and others. Often times, however, these platforms see youths keen on issues that benefit them directly.

Sir, I think we have to start engaging our youths on defence and security issues to ensure that they do not take these issues for granted.

They, like other Singaporeans, have an important role to play. Thus, I would like to ask the Minister if MINDEF has plans to engage young Singaporeans constructively on defence and security issues? If so, how and to what extent? How can the youths be enthused to take greater interest in the defence of our country?

12.45 pm

Sir, as our youths look to showcasing their talent and skills in hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games next year, bringing the attention of the world here, it is timely that they also begin to be introspective and reflect on how that very talent and skills can be channelled towards our defence and security.

The Minister for Defence (Mr Teo Chee Hean): Sir, I would like to thank the hon. Members for their comments and questions, and also for their steady commitment to Singapore's defence and security.

Ms Indranee Rajah, Mr Arthur Fong and Mr Ang Mong Seng asked about the security implications of the global economic crisis. This House has extensively discussed its economic and social impact. From the security perspective, there are

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three implications of the crisis that MINDEF is concerned with. First, it will accelerate global geo-political shifts. Second, during a recession, social stresses may lead to increased instability. Third, the threat of terrorism overlays these first two concerns.

Mr Hawazi Daipi and Mr Zainudin Nordin asked how we can ensure peace and stability in our region in these uncertain times. Ms Indranee Rajah asked about the regional security architecture.

Since the end of the Cold War, the US has been the pre-eminent economic and military power. Other countries such as China and India were emerging, both economically and militarily. The economic crisis has accelerated this process. While the G7 used to shape the global financial and economic framework, it no longer has the means to resolve the economic crisis by itself. Wider concerted action is required, as illustrated by the hasty convening of a G20 meeting last November. This shift in global economic weight, and the rise of other powers, will lead to a faster transition to a multi-polar world where no single power can steer global developments.

The US will remain the world's most powerful nation. Its leadership will be necessary to address key economic and security issues, but it cannot work alone. 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

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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. 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

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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.

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

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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. 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.

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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.

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

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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. 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

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uniform. The new uniform has improved functional design, dissipates heat better, and enhances combat survivability. 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

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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. 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

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confronts us. Defence programmes have long gestation periods and it is more effective to plan and invest for the long term. 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.

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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. I thank the House and all Singaporeans for your commitment to

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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. An independent expert panel of medical experts regularly reviews and updates screening requirements for the SAF.

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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. 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.

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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.

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

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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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. 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

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(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. 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

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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.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

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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. 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

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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.

Ms Indranee Rajah: May I seek a clarification from the Minister who mentioned that, at the Munich Security Conference, when he had the opportunity to speak to some of the defence ministers from central Asian states or the eastern European states, they had security challenges, one of which was cyber attacks. In the context of the SAF, given that so much of our weapons and systems are computerised, what steps has the SAF taken to ensure that the protection of our IT systems, and anything that is computer-related, has sufficient protection against cyber attacks and other forms of electronic interference?

One clarification for the Second Minister who talked about fitness. One of the issues that has come up with respect to parents is that their son is fit enough to do National Service but, sometimes, may have a medical problem, eg, heart murmur. This does not disqualify their son from doing National Service, and they worry about the postings. So my question is: how are the postings determined, with regard to NSmen or NSFs who may have underlying medical conditions?

Mr Teo Chee Hean: I will respond to Ms Rajah's question at two levels. At the

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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.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: In response to Ms Rajah's question, if I may. This is what I talked about earlier in terms of the physical employment status, Sir. MINDEF stands by the recommendations of this panel of trained doctors who tell us that such an individual is suitable for this type of training and vocation. And this is regularly reviewed and there is a medical board that if there are any doubts, they can refer to. So we stand by this panel and it is an independent panel that also draws from specialists, and regularly sits and reviews this PES system.

Ms Eunice Elizabeth Olsen: I thank the Second Minister, and I understand that there have been 10 exceptions made in the past 10 years. I just want to ask the Minister whether he thinks with progress as a nation, for MINDEF to be more visible and flexible about deferments, and if the Minister thinks this can help affirm in the eyes of Singaporeans that administration of national service is meant to develop not

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so much an attachment to the armed forces but to the nation.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: I want to clarify that our NS policy is founded on the key critical need on ensuring security and survival, and that is first and foremost of our mission and, if you like, our justification for instituting NS. But to keep that system strong, equitability is extremely important. It is not just about bonding them to Singapore although that is very important. They can be bonded but if you have a weak defence, there is no nation to be bonded with subsequently because your sovereignty is lost. So this nuancing is important and this emphasis on what NS is for is very clear. Practically, it is also difficult, and when we recognise exceptional talents, we will defer them, but because they are exceptional, they are very rare.

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong: Sir, I agree with the Minister that we should invest in our defence in a steady manner. The Minister likened it to an insurance policy. If I may use the analogy, can I ask the Minister whether he agrees that there are many insurance policies in the market and it is up to us to choose which policy we want commensurate to our needs and risk assessments. We know that in the market, just talking about insurance policies, there are some which are very expensive fetching very high premiums, depending on the needs and insurance forecast and your risk assessments of the person. Similarly, there are the middle-of-the-range ones and very cheap ones. I think our Defence, as in insurance policy, would be considered a premium one. I think we pay quite top dollar for it, and I think there is good reason to defend that policy. But can I ask the Minister to please explain the rationale for wanting to pay top dollar and to make sure that we have bang-for-the-buck, to use a popular term without trying to make it sound like an explosion, but to make sure that there is an assurance to the people that the

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money is prudently spent and there is a good reason why we are buying the premium insurance policy for our Defence.

And the other question is regarding the statement that there are three categories that the Defence Ministry may spend on – the people, operations and exercises, and lastly, capital expenditure. Can I ask the Minister whether there has been an increased emphasis on capital expenditure in terms of acquisitions of hardware, because in the newspapers, we tend to read a lot about how we have acquired F-15s and new naval helicopters, and so on, and whether that has skewed our Defence budget?

Mr Teo Chee Hean: 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.

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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. 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

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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. 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.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Sir, may I seek clarification from the Second Minister. He mentioned earlier that when enlistees come in, about 50% of them reach the silver level of NAFA. Another 50% require the extra four weeks of physical training. And now MINDEF is thinking of extending it to eight weeks within their enlistment period, meaning that it is eight weeks shorter. I am quite concerned because we already have reduced the duration of NS to two years. With a reduction of another four weeks because of physical fitness, I wonder if MINDEF has worked with MOE – and what is interesting is, Second Minister is also Minister for Education – to require or to look at the possibility of ensuring more

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of our boys reaching that silver level requirement, and also ensuring that the fitness level reaches a point before they get enlisted, such that they do not need more than that four weeks extra to attain a certain fitness level required by MINDEF. I think compromising the duration of NS because of fitness is something that we should work out with other Ministries, especially MOE, ensuring that the fitness level can be up even before they reach the enlistment levels.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Sir, let me thank Dr Maliki for bringing up those really good points. Yes, there is a natural limit to this extension. In other words, if we extend it from four to eight weeks and we still find people unfit, we cannot keep extending it. So we have done our calculations and this does not compromise our ability to forge a strong SAF. But we have extended it from four to eight weeks because, basically, the observation that we saw from our current four-week PTP is that they did not quite reach the physical fitness of their BMT counterparts who went directly into BMT.

Will MINDEF work with MOE? Yes, and we have been doing that. As Senior Minister of State RAdm Lui mentioned in this House yesterday, the Polytechnics are looking at this and trying to see how they can increase the fitness of their Polytechnic students. But let us all be very clear. Physical fitness is a personal responsibility. As Minister for Health Khaw Boon Wan said, it is difficult to go out and enforce the discipline to go for a run, but you have to do it. So I think this is something that we have to keep working at, and I think that it will improve, if we can get the message out that it is not only for yourself but for the nation and for SAF.

The Chairman: Ms Indranee Rajah, would you like to withdraw?

Ms Indranee Rajah: Mr Chairman, I would like to thank the Minister, Second

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Minister and Minister of State, both for placing our security challenges in context globally as well as regionally, and identifying for this Parliament the specific challenges that Singapore needs to take in dealing with our security challenges. So in that respect, Mr Chairman, may I withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $11,007,000,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $440,000,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.