STATUE TO COMMEMORATE TOTAL DEFENCE

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Dr Koh Lam Son asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence whether he will consider erecting a prominent statue to commemorate total defence and to inspire patriotism among Singaporeans.

The Second Minister for Defence (Services) (BG Lee Hsien Loong) (for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government has no plans to do so.

Dr Koh Lam Son (Telok Blangah): Sir, would the Minister not think that this is a good idea and that the Government would think about it and perhaps say yes to this request?

BG Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, the best way to inculcate Total Defence is to teach our young about it and to participate in it. Then it will sink in. Then only will Total Defence become our way of life. That is what we are trying to do in all our activities - National Service, Open Mobilization, Civil Resource Mobilization, Civil Defence exercises. Acting, doing, learning.

Patriotism is an abstract thing. It is love for our country, love for the things which make up our country, our heritage, our way of life. These are realities distilled into words and symbols. And the most powerful of these symbols is our National Flag. So we develop rituals, worthwhile rituals - singing the National Anthem, respect for the Flag, reciting the pledge, mass participation events like the National Day Parade, Armed Forces Day parade, Sing Singapore. It is not for nothing that you hear me singing on television news. It is this sort of active participation and immersion in the life of the country which ensures that the spirit of Total Defence and patriotism amongst will endure Singaporeans.

A statue is usually erected after the campaign is over and the battle is won, not while we are still fighting to establish what we aim for. And even if we had one, it would be but a passive reminder of the living truth.