預算辯論 · 2015-03-05 · 屆國會 12

國防與國民服役回顧

AI 與國家安全 AI 與公共部門爭議度 2 · 溫和質詢

議員質詢國防部關於SAF50紀念活動及國民服役歷史，強調國民服役需認同防衛物件。政府回應介紹SAF志願者招募情況，強調國民服役的重要性及歷史教訓。核心爭議在於國民服役的認同感及其演變過程。

關鍵要點

• SAF50紀念意義
• 國民服役歷史回顧
• 服役認同感重要

政府立場

支援國民服役及志願者計劃

政策訊號

強化國防認同與志願服役

“The most powerful weapon that Singapore and SAF ha”

參與人員 (19)

完整譯文（中文）

Hansard 原始記錄 · 2026-05-02

SAF50

席多義彬議員（波東巴西）：女士，我請求動議，

“將估算表J項下的總撥款減少100元。”

女士，2015年既是新加坡50週年（SG50），也是新加坡武裝部隊50週年（SAF50）。上個月，國防部啟動了系列紀念活動中的首場——SAF50@Vivo。我想先請國防部長與本院分享他對SAF50意義的看法，以及新加坡武裝部隊打算如何表彰我們武裝部隊先驅者的貢獻？

女士，去年我在本院鼓勵大家報名成為武裝部隊志願者。我很高興從武裝部隊得知，自那時起，約有800人申請加入武裝部隊志願者團（SAF Volunteer Corps，簡稱SAFVC）。大約50名成功申請者將於下個月開始基礎訓練。

我們應為有這麼多人主動參與SAF-VC，分享國民服役的經歷並作出自己的國民服役承諾而感到高興和自豪。

女士，國民服役幾乎與國家同齡。它始於1967年3月，當時時任國防部長吳慶瑞博士動議《國民服役（修訂）法案》的二讀。他還宣佈，將徵召1949年1月1日至1949年6月30日出生的9,000名男性服役。到1967年4月中旬，超過90%的符合條件的9,000名男性已完成登記。

你們可能認為這是新加坡國民服役1.0版本。我想本院許多人，包括我自己，得知後會驚訝地發現這實際上是國民服役2.0版本。

國民服役1.0版本早在1952年就開始了，當時《國民服役法案》於3月4日提交。法案二讀時，時任代理殖民地秘書安德魯·吉爾摩向立法會解釋，法案的主要目的是賦予政府在必要時引入國民服役的權力，以滿足新加坡的防務需求，並確保保衛殖民地的責任能在民眾中公平分擔。

第95頁

國民服役志願者團

《國防條例》於1954年3月1日生效，殖民地政府隨後嘗試通過抽籤徵召1,000名青年，約有24,000名符合條件者登記。此舉並不順利，1954年5月13日約有500名華文中學生示威反對新法，與警方發生衝突。此事件後來被稱為1954年國民服役騷亂。

女士，我們從失敗的國民服役1.0版本中能學到的主要教訓是什麼？首要教訓是，服役者必須相信自己是在保衛屬於他們的東西。當時殖民地屬於英國，而非被徵召的青年。

正如國防部第二部長陳振聲數週前所說：“新加坡和武裝部隊最強大的武器，不是我們從海外購買的，也不是我們能建造的，而是我們內心的東西。那是為獨立而戰、保持獨立、以便我們能決定自己命運的渴望和意願，世代相傳。”國民服役1.0失敗，是因為最強大的武器——內心——不存在。2.0版本成功，是因為我們獨立了，內心因此站在正確的位置。

許多人也認為SAF-VC計劃是武裝部隊志願者團1.0版本。實際上，它甚至不是2.0版本，可能是3.0版本。1.0版本可追溯至1965年12月30日《人民防衛軍（PDF）法案》通過後不久。三個月後，約有3,200名男性自願加入PDF。這是在我們今天所知的國民服役形式引入之前。但鑑於我們人口稀少，志願PDF無法充分滿足新加坡的防務需求，因此吳博士不得不於1967年引入“現代”國民服役2.0版本。

即使在1967年引入國民服役時，也有一種志願者計劃同時啟動。許多技術人員自願幫助啟動武裝部隊能力建設。例如，武裝部隊醫療軍團始於1960年代，許多志願醫生和護士無需服國民服役。醫療軍團現為武裝部隊的專業分支，訓練有素，裝備精良，能執行世界多地的艱難任務，正如我們在多次災難救援任務中所見。

女士，但其領導層最初主要是志願者。許多人現已七八十歲，有些已故。國防部長會熟悉醫療領域的一些巨擘，如已故朱志明醫生、盧爾醫生和楊理查醫生，我們的前常任秘書兼醫療服務主任郭順美醫生等。我希望國防部在慶祝SG50並表彰國民服役先驅者時，也能記住這些幫助塑造武裝部隊初期的志願者。

海外任務帶來的善意

女士，讓我們回顧國防部和武裝部隊的既定使命。

“國防部和新加坡武裝部隊的使命是通過威懾和外交增強新加坡的和平與安全；若此失敗，則迅速且決定性地擊敗侵略者。”

下午4時45分

邏輯上，武裝部隊的首要使命是作為威懾。潛在侵略者因武裝部隊強大而不敢攻擊。第二使命是在戰爭爆發時迅速且全面地消滅敵人。

與我之前談及的軟實力不同，武裝部隊是我們最原始、最明顯的硬實力形式。但它也可作為軟實力的工具。

外交是軟實力的體現。正如國防部和武裝部隊使命所述，外交有助於增強和平與安全。武裝部隊過去多次通過海外任務實現這一點。例如，2004年海嘯時援助泰國和印尼鄰國，2011年紐西蘭地震救援，去年底馬來西亞吉蘭丹洪災救援，以及最近海軍協助印尼搜救亞航QZ8501航班事故。

這些重要任務中，武裝部隊在多方面作出顯著貢獻，超越表面。這些任務促進了相互理解、尊重和信任。經歷共同困難的國家和軍隊更能理解、尊重和信任彼此，因而較少發生戰爭。做一個好鄰居符合我們的利益。這是武裝部隊參與外交、確保和平穩定使命的一部分。

此時，我想請國防部長與本院分享武裝部隊從海外任務中學到的經驗。

第97頁

當然，我們部署武裝部隊資源參與此類任務的頻率和規模有限。首要限制是其他國家必須歡迎並邀請我們，我們才主動提供援助。第二考慮是，作為以徵兵為主的軍隊，我們必須注意不讓國民服役青年承擔不必要的重大風險。

即便如此，我鼓勵國防部長考慮讓國防部和武裝部隊採取更積極的態度。我們甚至無需等到危機或災難發生，便可參與人道主義行動。隨著我們慶祝SG50和神聖的國民服役制度，武裝部隊的發展和成熟，也到了積極發展國防部和武裝部隊第三項既定使命——外交——的時候了。

【（程式文本）提案已提出。（程式文本）】

主席：林偉傑博士，你有兩項質詢，請一併提出。

區域防務外交

林偉傑博士（義順）：女士，新加坡的安全與鄰國關係密不可分。因此，瞭解鄰國的軍事和防務能力及計劃非常重要。近年來，東盟地區出現軍備競賽的討論。部分國家因領土爭端開始增加軍備進口，尤其是潛艇。

過去幾年，我們鄰國的防務預算年增長率（絕對值和百分比）是多少？部長認為東盟地區是否存在軍備競賽？我們應否擔憂？我們與鄰國的雙邊防務關係狀況如何？

此外，國防部採取了哪些信心建設措施，以建立良好持久的鄰國防務關係？我欣慰地注意到，國防部長黃英賢最近與馬來西亞國防部長簽署了加強軍事和防務合作的意向書。我們需要在鄰國間建立信任和理解。我相信未來我們能與其他東盟鄰國達成類似的確認和友誼。

國際防務外交

女士，美國和中國等大國在本地區安全與穩定中扮演重要角色。近年來，兩國均加強了在本地區，尤其是南中國海的軍事存在。據報道，美國計劃於2018年前向新加坡部署四艘軍艦，預計將輪換駐紮。

冷戰時期似乎正從歐洲逐漸升溫至亞洲。我預見俄羅斯遲早會關注本地區。他們一直在拉攏中國和印度，以免被邊緣化，但目前他們主要關注歐洲局勢。

東盟各國與美國之間，以及東盟國家間存在交叉的防務安排。這種美中軍事存在的增長對本地區戰略防務安排和架構有何影響？我們是否應預期未來本地區將接納更多外國軍事存在？這將如何影響我們在本地區及與駐地大國的防務外交？

維護和推進與大國的防務關係對安全和外交至關重要。尤其是聯合訓練，將互利且極大豐富我們的防務力量，我希望我們能爭取更多此類安排。國防部如何持續推進與大國的防務關係？

國際與區域安全

李慧玲議員（森巴旺）：主席，負責任的國際社會成員國應願意分擔國際和區域安全負擔。新加坡雖小，被稱為“小紅點”，但自獨立以來，一直致力於在符合國家利益和能力範圍內，參與聯合國批准的安全和人道主義合作。去年全球面臨多起恐怖主義、流行病和氣候問題。

這些問題對國防部的角色有何影響？國防部能否更新其對國際和區域安全的貢獻，例如打擊ISIS威脅、反海盜行動和災難救援？

軍事外交

劉程強議員（阿裕尼）：女士，儘管長期討論實施《南中國海各方行為宣言》及達成《海上非計劃遭遇行為準則》協議，東亞海域仍無約束性安排管理和減少摩擦。事實上，南中國海持續存在摩擦。

這些問題可能影響區域穩定和新加坡持續繁榮。新加坡需謹慎在美國、中國及鄰國間周旋。國防部的防務外交及對外接觸與其他機構合作，對新加坡國家安全和利益有重要影響。

我想了解國防部當前及計劃中的防務外交努力如何為新加坡國家安全帶來具體利益。

國防部長去年在香格里拉對話會上談及應對硬安全挑戰和實現具體成果的必要性。他還討論了東盟防長會議加框架，並重點介紹了汶萊政府間熱線計劃及越南提出的“先不使用武力”協議。部長能否更新這些提案，說明它們如何具體助益國家安全，以及政府的回應？

除這些提案外，國防部目前還開展哪些舉措？國防部如何通過防務外交，除會議和論壇外，減少不確定性、增進理解和改善區域及更廣泛範圍內的協調？

打擊伊拉克和敘利亞伊斯蘭國（ISIS）

普里坦·辛格議員（阿裕尼）：去年11月，部長宣佈國防部將加入美國領導的反ISIS聯盟，貢獻KC-135空中加油機和影像分析團隊。部長今年早些時候澄清，武裝部隊已派遣需求評估和調查團隊及聯絡官，促進武裝部隊與聯盟部隊的規劃協調。

鑑於威脅性質不斷演變，我想問部長，新加坡是否會尋求在具獨特價值的領域貢獻力量。例如，宗教康復是我們獨特貢獻，除硬體和分析能力外，其他盟友也能提供。

其次，我想詢問國防部如何管理任務蔓延的可能性，避免武裝部隊在反ISIS戰鬥中投入比目前更多的前線力量。

最後，我想了解國防部如何與東盟鄰國合作，制定東盟對ISIS威脅的應對方案，促進鄰國間的信心建設和軍隊間合作，從而帶來更團結、更安全的東盟，並推動東盟成員國，尤其是馬來西亞和印尼這兩大鄰國間更緊密的安全整合。

國防開支

謝健鵬議員（海洋坊）：女士，我們2014/2015財年的國防預算創下125.6億新元的歷史新高，比2013年增長3.2%。去年軍備開支達122億新元，2004年為86億新元。

自2008年以來，我們的國防開支每年穩步增長約4%。持續的國防投入對國家安全至關重要，安全形勢日益嚴峻。恐怖主義成為現實威脅，國家間緊張局勢依然令人擔憂。除了維持良好外交關係，新加坡還需不斷提升自身防務能力和安全，以威懾潛在侵略者。

看看隔壁的馬來西亞，最近宣佈2015年暫停國民服役計劃，以節省開支。雖然國防部預算有時受批評，但不夠投入國防、危及國家安全是不可想象的。

雖然新加坡在東南亞國防開支最高，但本區域其他國家也在增加國防預算，削減新加坡開支可能帶來影響。

女士，我瞭解到我們的國防開支包括人力資本投資、運營和發展開支，以及新能力投資。國防部能否概述這三方面的開支分配情況？

我在主旨演講中提到國防部是新加坡重要的公共空間。部長能否告訴我，國防部是否有追蹤其多年來積累的社會資本的方式？如果沒有，能否探索相關方法？我總是驚訝於校友們組織的聚會——涉及服役者。國防部能否考慮支援此類活動，甚至在營區舉辦？我認為這有助於社群融合，是構建更緊密包容社會的另一途徑。

資源最佳化與生產力

林偉傑博士：女士，國防部今年預算獲分配最高開支。國防部也是最大公共土地和公共部門人力的管理者。我相信部裡已有資源利用的規劃和策略。

我想問國防部如何確保這些財政和人力資源得到充分合理部署。部長能否與本院分享未來五年的規劃？

國防部一直非常重視創新和生產力。過去幾年，國防部因節約成本的方案和創新理念屢獲認可，我在此向相關工作人員表示祝賀。我想請問部長，能否分享國防部近期正在探索的一些生產力提升措施，以及這些措施的成效如何。

國防開支與節省

普里塔姆·辛格先生：國防部長此前曾在議會表示，未來幾年國防部的開支增長將大致與通脹率同步。然而，今年國防部2015/2016財年的預算比去年增加了5.7%。

我記得去年國防部長在參謀長會議上介紹了2030年新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）可能的形態，包括更大容量的登陸艦（LST）、下一代戰鬥機，以及計劃將陸軍更多傳統作戰單位轉型為機動平臺，這些都是SAF戰鬥序列可能的變革。

下午5時

今年國防預算的增長是否歸因於國防部計劃未來幾年採購的平臺？如果不是，國防部如何解釋與去年相比開支的增長？

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其次，鑑於國家層面保持財政審慎，國防部是否考慮將更多節約成本的措施作為國防採購的關鍵標準？例如，媒體廣泛報道的引進Aerostar無人機，據稱已使國防部在相關任務上的運營開支減少了29%。

最後，我想詢問國防部對最近由馬來西亞作為東盟輪值主席國提出的建立東盟維和部隊建議的實施計劃。國防部目前對此有何看法？

主席：楊銓文先生不在議場，法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授。

新加坡武裝部隊的轉型

法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授（海洋坊）：女士，新加坡武裝部隊在2000年代初啟動了第三代轉型，旨在確保其保持高度能力、相關性和受尊重的國防力量。這些變革是漸進且積極的，旨在讓部隊應對當今日益變化且每日、每月都充滿不確定性的環境中的挑戰和突發事件。

這些發展涵蓋硬體和軟體兩個方面，任何轉型過程都必須兩者並進。

除了在技術、機械、武器、資訊科技和運輸方面的投資外，人員的培訓、成長、發展及認可同樣重要。

未來的挑戰，如我們迅速下降的出生率和人口老齡化，以及應對新興安全威脅，也必須加以應對。值此SAF成立50週年之際，邁向未來，部長能否提供SAF轉型計劃的最新情況，以確保我們繼續成為一支能夠應對任何威脅的有效戰鬥力量，保護我們的小紅點？

議長女士：國防部長。

國防部長（黃永宏博士）：主席女士，首先感謝各位議員提出的有益問題和富有見地的評論，許多觀點我深表認同。今年是一個特殊的年份，正如多位議員所言，2015年是我們獨立的金禧年，也是SAF成立50週年。正如本院多位議員指出的，這是一個適合回顧、審視根基並共同檢視我們所取得成就，更重要的是展望未來的時刻。

如果回顧我們的開國元勳及其經歷，他們經歷了三個可以說是痛苦的時期。首先是英國向日本投降及隨後的佔領；其次是對峙時期（Konfrontasi）；然後是與共產黨的鬥爭。僅僅一個挑戰就已嚴峻，但我們的先驅經歷了這三者。因此，他們從痛苦的教訓中領悟到一個頓悟，並堅定地認為只有擁有強大的國防，新加坡才能維護主權，因為沒有強大的國防，新加坡人永遠無法掌握自己的命運。

作為一個人力有限的小國，我相信今天大多數新加坡人都明白，強大的國防只能通過大量財政資源的投入，尤其是國民服役人員的努力和犧牲來建立和維持。

我們一再強調，但值得重複：如果新加坡人不能或不願保衛新加坡，沒人會替我們保衛。在這個金禧年，我相信我代表本院所有議員，重申我們堅定且持續的保衛國家的承諾。

如今，新加坡人可以安心，因為經過數十年持續投資國防能力，SAF已是一支強大且有能力的軍隊，能夠保護我們的利益和邊界。除了SAF和國民服役人員，全民防衛的理念——我們團結一致才有力量——也已深入社群。

多位議員——司徒義彬、林偉傑博士、法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授和普里塔姆·辛格先生——詢問了SAF現狀及未來形態。

首先，SAF現狀如何。我認為我們可以客觀自信，因為我們持續將SAF與其他先進國家軍隊進行基準比較。我們通過現實訓練和實戰演練測試系統。過去十年，我們在美國進行了四次“鍛造利刃”演習。自2000年以來，我們每年赴澳大利亞參加“Wallaby”演習。在那裡，我們讓士兵和裝備接受嚴格且現實的測試，包括無人機（UAV）、F-15和F-16戰鬥機、阿帕奇直升機、高機動性火箭炮系統（HIMARS）和海軍艦艇。演習場景複雜，要求高度整合。我很高興報告，每次演習後，我們的整體系統都得到驗證，並學到了重要經驗以彌補不足。

當我說整體系統得到驗證時，意味著我們的指揮控制系統反應迅速且協調一致。我們能閉環處理所見資訊並實施響應。

除了演習，SAF還積極參與加強國際和平與安全以及人道援助和災難救援（HADR）的任務。司徒義彬先生提到了這一點。

2003年至2013年間，約有1.5萬名軍人部署於伊拉克和阿富汗，參與多國穩定重建行動。自2009年以來，我們也派遣軍人至亞丁灣支援反海盜行動，並三次指揮聯合特遣部隊。最近，SAF艦艇和飛機參與了亞航失事搜救，艦上人員在“Swift Rescue”號上發現了機身殘骸。陸軍也曾部署至吉蘭丹，利用水質淨化隊伍為馬來西亞洪災受災者提供飲用水。

無論是演習還是實戰行動，這些都驗證了我們的準備狀態和專業水平，為軍人提供了寶貴經驗，並增強了與關鍵夥伴的協同作戰能力。通過這些演習和實戰，SAF展現了作為一支整合的專業力量，能夠果斷行動並完成任務。

議員們詢問了我們對SAF未來五年的規劃。林偉傑博士對此提出了問題。我們將繼續穩步提升SAF能力。明年起，海軍將開始用新型近岸任務艦替換巡邏艦。陸軍也將採用新型防護反應車，替代V200裝甲車。一些年長的國民服役人員可能用過V200，其他人可能不熟悉，但V200已相當老舊，因此將被新車替代。

我們的超級美洲獅直升機——議員們對此較為熟悉——服役近30年，需在未來十年內更換。

除了升級具體平臺，正如普里塔姆·辛格先生提到的，SAF需要根據新安全威脅重塑自身。法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授對此表達得很精彩。展望SAF50金禧年，我們期望SAF能應對哪些威脅？其核心使命是什麼？如何塑造自身以應對威脅新加坡及新加坡人的挑戰？

我們可能會將威脅分類，但威脅新加坡和新加坡人的因素並不總是帶有明確標籤。這是我們必須問的核心問題。

外部方面，SAF必須應對網路威脅和戰爭中日益增長的資訊戰。形勢正在形成。上個月我參加的UNIX安全會議中，有多場討論“混合戰爭”，即國家和非國家行為者結合常規與非常規戰爭手段的戰爭形式。

什麼是混合戰爭？這是一個“時髦”的術語，但具體含義是什麼？新加坡人容易理解，因為它正好是我們幾十年前啟動的全民防衛的對立面。混合戰爭是一場有組織的運動，旨在通過破壞目標國家在民事、經濟、社會、心理和軍事方面的防禦，瓦解其團結。

我想讓議員們聽聽俄羅斯聯邦總參謀長瓦列裡·格拉西莫夫將軍的驚人言論：“戰爭規則已改變。實現政治和戰略目標的非軍事手段作用增強，在許多情況下，其效力超過了武器的武力。”

非軍事手段已超過武器的武力。他繼續說：“衝突應用方法的重點轉向廣泛使用政治、經濟、資訊、人道及其他非軍事措施，並與民眾的抗議潛力協調配合。”

他還說：“所有這些輔以隱蔽性質的軍事手段，包括資訊衝突行動和特種作戰部隊行動。公開使用武力，通常以維和和危機調解為幌子，僅在特定階段使用，主要為實現衝突最終勝利。”

言辭冷靜卻令人不寒而慄。為何？因為這段混合戰爭的教科書式描述，在克里米亞吞併和烏克蘭近期動亂中被精準演繹，顛覆和欺騙通過血肉之軀的挑釁者及社交媒體上的虛假資訊實施，製造目標人群的分裂和異議，隨後才動用軍事力量。

混合戰爭還有另一個例子，即基地組織和ISIS的激進化效應。一些議員問及ISIS及我們的應對措施。仔細看，這也是混合戰爭的一個方面，不過這次是非國家行為者發起的。

數萬名外國戰鬥人員被ISIS的虛假意識形態激進化，前往伊拉克和敘利亞，可能在返回本國時發動暴力襲擊。

烏克蘭和ISIS的例子促使許多國家加緊研究如何防禦外部敵對勢力策劃的混合戰爭運動。因此，正如我們所見，挑戰並非整齊劃一。我理解普里塔姆·辛格先生的問題：“我們的核心使命是什麼？何時算是任務蔓延？”

這是個難題。但核心是，只要威脅新加坡和新加坡人，即使形式不常見或不受限，我們都必須應對。

下午5時15分

混合戰爭的概念與戰爭本身一樣古老，這也是我們1984年啟動全民防衛的原因。新的是社交媒體放大了虛假資訊的傳播。沒有國家，包括新加坡，能免疫於虛假資訊戰爭，SAF必須提升能力，檢測並反制網路和資訊領域的威脅。

除了混合戰爭，烏克蘭動亂及其對歐洲其他地區的影響也給新加坡帶來重要教訓。讓我描述一下去年慕尼黑安全會議的氛圍。那是2014年，會議主題圍繞二戰後70年的和平，氣氛喜慶，理應如此。冷戰結束，俄羅斯融入歐洲和全球經濟，歐盟擴大，更多國家加入歐盟甚至申請加入北約。甚至有人質疑北約的存在意義。去年氣氛確實歡慶。

事實上，過去十年，歐洲許多國家減少國防開支以“分享和平紅利”，有些國家甚至廢除或暫停了軍事徵兵，即他們的國民服役制度。然後，去年3月，慕尼黑安全會議兩個月後，難以想象的事情發生了——克里米亞被吞併。所謂的叛軍襲擊並佔領了克里米亞和烏克蘭東部關鍵城市的主要建築和軍事基地，這些叛軍包括“綠色小人”，即戴面具、裝備俄製武器的身份不明士兵。同時，俄羅斯在烏克蘭邊境集結了大量兵力，烏克蘭高階官員估計超過8萬人和270輛坦克。

數十年曆史的正式條約和承諾被撕毀，基本假設歐洲和平被顛覆。今年的慕尼黑安全會議上，有一句話令人震耳欲聾：“歐洲和平已破裂”；僅僅一年時間。對歐洲小國的影響更為嚴峻和威脅。

上個月2月25日《金融時報》一篇文章標題為“俄羅斯恐懼促使立陶宛恢復軍事徵兵”。立陶宛是波羅的海三國之一，地理上最接近俄羅斯。文章稱：“立陶宛恢復軍事徵兵，顯示波羅的海國家對俄羅斯意圖的焦慮。”

這些國家擔心克里米亞的遭遇會發生在自己身上，不再對未來充滿信心。立陶宛實際上在2009年才暫停其國民服役制度，六年前，因為當時認為鄰里安全。現在，立陶宛正拼命擴軍。今年早些時候，立陶宛政府向學校和公眾發放了入侵應對手冊。波羅的海國家極度擔憂克里米亞和烏克蘭的情況會重演。立陶宛人口約三百萬，雖比我們多，但規模不大。

新加坡與波羅的海國家一樣是小國。我認為我們應認真聽取他們的警示故事。永遠不要把和平視為理所當然。和平只能通過國民服役人員和全體新加坡人的共同承諾換取。絕不能因忽視或自滿而削弱我們多年來建立的強大國防。建設強大國防的時機是在和平時期。強有力的威懾是新加坡最好的防禦。你們已經多次聽到這些話。

當危險臨近，如波羅的海國家那樣，才想建立防禦就太遲了。與預期的和平與穩定會持續不同，局勢可能迅速惡化。正如我所說，一年內氛圍完全逆轉。

只要政府和人民支援，SAF將全力履行保護國家和人民的職責。SAF將清醒認識潛在威脅和挑戰。我們不假設威脅會整齊劃一，正在重塑自身以提高未來效能。部分議員提及新加坡的人口趨勢，尤其是法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授談及長期趨勢。是的，SAF必須在人員減少的情況下保持效能。無論是機動能力、火力、新能力，重組後的SAF即使更精簡，也將更強大多樣。我們之所以能做到，是因為採用了先進技術。

我們談到生產力和國防開支。說到生產力，我告訴你，SAF感受最深，不僅因為我們願意，更因為現實所迫——國民服役人員數量減少。我們的兵源不像民間那麼靈活。因此，每當計劃引進新平臺時，關鍵問題之一是：如何用更少的人力完成任務，甚至更有效？

例如，我們的無人機系統已經能夠連續飛行超過24小時。在陸地上，陸軍在某些情況下使用機器人拆除爆炸物。陸軍還在研究使用更多無人地面車輛進行安全巡邏。例如，在海上，未來無人水面艦艇可能會巡邏我們擁擠的水道。如果我們能在沒有有人駕駛艦船的情況下做到，為什麼不呢？這些先進技術具有更高的精確度、更長的續航能力，且使用更少的人力，使我們能夠以更精簡的部隊保持強大戰鬥力。

新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）將進一步利用新技術應對安全挑戰，無論是外部還是內部，無論這些挑戰是有形的還是無形的。新的網路防禦單位正在組建中。利用資訊通訊技術、機器人技術和人工智慧的更好能力正在測試和整合到現有系統中。

但即使擁有最先進的技術和裝備，我們也不斷提醒自己，我們的人才仍然是我們最寶貴且不可或缺的資產。確實如此。許多議員也這麼說，我同意你們的看法，我們的人才最終才是決定性因素——士兵、空軍和海軍官兵的強大戰鬥精神，以及正如薛東先生正確指出的，領導層的素質將使SAF能夠威懾侵略者，並在威懾失敗時戰勝潛在的侵略者。

我們必須繼續保持這種力量直到未來。沒有有能力且有奉獻精神的服役人員，特別是國民服役人員（NSmen），我們無法建立一支有效的部隊，而他們構成了SAF戰鬥力的主體。我們正在落實加強國民服役委員會的建議。陳振聲第二部長將詳細說明，但讓我先強調兩個正在順利推進的重要提案。

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首先，我們承諾將國民服役入伍等待時間縮短至完成中學後教育後不超過六個月，目前進展順利。

其次，SAF志願軍團吸引了大量響應，我們計劃今年招收首批志願者。

雖然國民服役人員是SAF的骨幹，但我們需要確保有足夠的常備軍人員來訓練部隊和建設能力。我在加強國民服役委員會期間宣佈，我們將加強招聘更多訓練員，並且我們正按計劃從今年年中起將基礎軍事訓練中心的常備訓練員人數翻倍。SAF也在招募更多女性常備軍人員，因為隨著我們使用先進平臺，更多職業機會開放。

多位議員提出了關於國防開支的問題——謝健鵬先生、林偉傑博士、普里坦·辛格先生。他們非常細心，詢問我們是否注意到東南亞的國防開支有所上升。確實如此。過去十年，東南亞作為一個整體的國防開支以名義價格增長了約150%，年均增長率約為11%。同期，中國的國防開支增長了四倍多。

亞洲整體的國防開支援續上升。我們密切關注這一趨勢。我們沒有采取急劇增加的應對措施，因為正如我們常說的，我們希望避免國防開支的急劇波動。儘管有這一總體趨勢，我們的策略仍是長期規劃，保持國防開支的穩定。正如議員們所說，過去十年我們的國防開支名義上平均增長了4%，大致與通脹保持同步。

普里坦·辛格先生問今年為何增長了5.7%。對此我想說明，我們的規劃是基於較長的時間跨度，不是逐年調整，而是五到十年期的規劃。這使我們能夠避免突然調整，無論是在人力培訓還是平臺採購方面。這樣做實際上更有效率。我的意思是，長期規劃讓我們有機會進行聰明的採購。我們不會在平臺剛推出時就購買。即使購買新平臺，我們也會觀察價格何時下降，在生產減少、價格上漲之前進行採購。這樣我們可以計劃何時採購。

感謝議員們提醒國防部（MINDEF）需要謹慎使用資源。我們知道作為單一部門，我們的開支比例最大，因此我們會謹慎行事。國防部和SAF的預設做法是升級現有平臺，而不是購買新平臺——除非新裝備能明顯提供所需的更優能力。

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舉個例子，我們最近升級了掃雷艦。我們沒有購買新艦，而是升級了現有艦艇，因為升級後更高效，且能與無人水面系統整合。因此，掃雷速度提高了五倍。

不僅是財務資源，我也接受包括林偉傑博士在內的議員們關於我們是否謹慎使用土地的觀點。我們認識到新加坡土地寶貴，因此利用技術提高土地使用強度。有些議員可能參觀過，如果沒有，我們願意安排參觀多功能射擊場綜合體。

對一些議員來說，你們可能記得舊時SAF訓練學院有多個射擊場。那是平地，但我們把它們集中建成高層建築，一棟樓裡有七個射擊場。佔用的空間相當於一個射擊場的面積。你們還記得服役時必須等到晚上才能進行夜間射擊。現在只需關燈即可進行夜間射擊。另一個重要例子是巴耶利峇空軍基地（PLAB）遷移至擴建後的樟宜東部空軍基地和中部空軍基地。

國防部和SAF主動且謹慎地研究了這一方案，因為我們知道土地寶貴。結果，我們將釋放出800公頃土地供其他用途，並且取消PLAB周邊的高度限制。我們非常重視土地使用，能強化的地方就強化，能搬遷的就搬遷，包括SAF士兵的海外訓練。但——這是一個重要的“但”——我坦率告訴議員們，維持我們的防禦資產、訓練士兵和確保防禦能力完整性，在新加坡有最低土地需求。

我再說一遍——有最低需求。這不僅僅是“你有多少土地，能否壓縮到一塊地裡？”低於某個面積，我們會失去防禦系統的整體性。

下午5時30分

我歡迎議員們提出關於外部環境的問題，因為即使我們專注於SAF內部，也必須關注地緣政治環境和與其他國家的防務關係。林偉傑博士、李慧玲女士、普里坦·辛格先生和劉謙強先生都談到了這個問題。劉謙強先生問，除了香格里拉對話和東盟防長會議（ADMM），新加坡還做了什麼，能做多少。

有時，我希望我們能做得比實際更多。但我們是一個小國，需要建立強有力的夥伴關係，以促進區域安全環境。我們從不高估自己的規模、實力或力量。最終，我們一再強調這點，雖然聽起來陳詞濫調，但確實如此——我們永遠不會忘記自己是一個小國，是一個紅點，一個小紅點；我們希望是閃亮的紅點，但仍然是小紅點。

因此，我們必須建立強大的夥伴關係。在二戰結束後的70年裡，美國在亞洲的存在促進了地區穩定與繁榮。正因如此，新加坡支援美國在此的存在。我們允許他們使用PLAB和樟宜海軍基地作為中轉站。第二艘美國海軍近岸戰鬥艦最近抵達新加坡，輪換部署。

此外，我們與美國的密切關係使我們能夠獲得高階防禦系統以及在美國的訓練空間。我提到過高機動火炮系統。一些曾是炮兵的議員會知道，過去部署火炮需要多少人力。那是艱苦的工作，需要快速反應。大約12人，他們告訴我。但現在，美國的新系統只需三人在卡車前操作——射程70公里，高精度，射擊後迅速轉移。

我們與中國的防務關係非常好，我們認可中國希望在本地區發揮和平與建設性作用的願望。反映這一密切關係，去年11月我訪問中國期間，中國國防部長常萬全與我聯合釋出新聞稿，旨在加強防務互動，並紀念今年新中建交25週年。我們進行了聯合演習。看到解放軍士兵和SAF士兵一同衝鋒上山，奪取目標，場面非常壯觀。中國的某些做法頗具風格，他們擁有大型訓練場地，可以坐著觀看大規模演練。我們沒有那樣的空間。這次互動非常好。

我們積極與最親近的鄰國馬來西亞和印度尼西亞接觸。我們共享許多共同利益，以建立理解和相互尊重。SAF是最早協助鄰國搜尋MH370和QZ8501航班失蹤事件的部隊之一，也在幾個月前馬來西亞洪災時提供援助。我們與兩國的防務關係牢固，軍方之間頻繁互動。

印度尼西亞國防部長賴亞米扎德今年1月首次訪問東盟時選擇了新加坡作為首站。正如林偉傑博士指出的，我最近接待了馬來西亞國防部長希沙姆丁，我們共同簽署了意向書。我們將與印度尼西亞和馬來西亞——我們的最親近鄰國——開展更多合作。我們將加強與印度尼西亞、馬來西亞及其他沿海國家的聯合海上巡邏，因為我們區域水域存在海盜和海上搶劫問題。

正如劉謙強先生所說，ADMM和香格里拉對話是重要平臺。它們為小國提供了難得的發聲空間，能夠把問題擺到桌面上，提出關乎集體安全的問題；同樣重要的是，鼓勵各國軍隊建立理解。沒有理解，就會產生誤判和誤解。

我告訴議員們，東北亞國家的軍隊很少互相交流。他們不見面。這不健康，實際上非常危險。非常危險。當汶萊主辦ADMM時，我們鼓勵汶萊舉辦18國聯合演習，我們提供幫助、支援和協調。想象一下，來自18個國家的4000名士兵，中國派出和平方舟號，印度派出艦船，日本派出艦船；他們部署在不同艦船甲板上。不同國家計程車兵，包括美國士兵，登上彼此的艦船甲板，進行交流。至少，這建立了一定的理解，對部分國家來說，更建立了信任，降低了誤判風險。

這可能不會成為頭條新聞。我們不指望每次會面都有“可宣佈”的成果，但那是不現實的。防務外交進展緩慢，有時艱難，就像大多數外交一樣。我們不應誤以為僅僅因為會面沒有“可宣佈”的成果，就認為沒有成效。耐心和緩慢的培養為我們贏得更多空間；它實際上贏得了朋友，建立了理解。

降低南海緊張局勢非常重要，因為那是我們的後院。明年五月，我們預計東盟及其“加號”夥伴的艦船、飛機和人員將參加另一場關於海上安全和反恐的重大演習。我們有額外優勢，可以讓軍隊共同演習。這是我們努力推動的。這種務實合作非常及時且相關，尤其是在ISIS恐怖威脅增加的背景下。普里坦·辛格先生問東盟是否能釋出共同宣告——他是對的。這非常有用。這是馬來西亞主席想做的。議員們可能已從報紙上看到，馬來西亞人在伊拉克和敘利亞。印度尼西亞國防參謀長來新加坡時表示，他擔心戰鬥人員回國後的行為。這是現實且迫切的威脅，是我們安全部隊的核心任務。

這也是我們在香格里拉對話中所做的。去年，我們有26位部長級代表，來自35個國家的參與者。我們不指望每年都有“可宣佈”的成果。但當成果出現時，影響力很大。幾年前，馬六甲海峽被勞氏名單列為與戰爭風險區等同的風險類別。保險費上漲。你必須支付如同船隻穿越戰爭風險區的保險費。當時，納吉布總理兼任國防部長，他在香格里拉對話中提出聯合海上空中巡邏的想法，天空中有眼，隨後在各自主權水域開展聯合馬六甲海峽巡邏。這降低了海盜活動，勞氏將該區域從風險名單中移除。

我們將做更多工作，發揮建設性作用，正如議員們所要求的。這就是為什麼我們設立了資訊融合中心和樟宜區域人道援助與災難救援協調中心——這是薛東議員提問的。他問我們是否能加快防務外交。我很高興更新訊息，中國、法國、泰國和汶萊已向該區域協調中心派駐聯絡官員，澳大利亞和寮國已建立操作聯絡。

女士們，先生們，最後讓我介紹今年國慶慶典（NDP）的細節。今年的國慶慶典非常特別。我知道稍後會有問題，我先給議員們一些提示。今年是非常重要的一年，實際上是我們的金禧年。回顧過去50年，新加坡非常幸運，我們有許多值得共同慶祝的成就。

2015年國慶慶典將銘記我們的歷史根源；我們將記住我們的來處。這就是為什麼我們選擇在帕丹舉行。我們將回顧作為一個國家的集體成就，並展望所有新加坡人共享的進步未來。

因此，國慶慶典將在帕丹舉行。為什麼？因為1966年我們的第一次國慶慶典就在這裡舉行。閱讀李光耀先生在回憶錄中對那次慶典的描述，充滿激情，講述了當時的挑戰和發生的事情。我們每年都有國慶主題。金禧年的主題是什麼合適？籌委會經過深思熟慮，當我念出主題時，你們會覺得這是個好選擇。主題是“前進，新加坡”（Majulah Singapura）。這呼應了獨立時對所有新加坡人的號召，那時我們是一個貧窮的國家，四面受困——無論是就業、住房、教育還是基本生活必需品的問題。

聽聽我們現在在議會的辯論。正如所說，那是好問題。想象一下獨立時的議會——問題多得數不清，資源極少，幾乎沒有。正是在這樣的背景下，“前進，新加坡”成為了我們團結一心、克服挑戰的號召，我們成功了。

因此，國慶慶典將盡可能講述這個故事，提醒我們來自何方，認可開國元勳和國家建設領導者的貢獻。

有很多呼聲——你們可以想象國慶籌委會收到許多請求、建議和呼籲。其中一個我覺得特別重要，我們努力滿足的，是讓儘可能多的新加坡人參與這次歷史性的第50屆國慶慶典，因為下一次金禧年要到2065年。所以這次，我們真的希望讓儘可能多的人分享這份經歷。

但你知道帕丹的容量有限，能觀看錶演的人數有限。但我很高興宣佈，國慶籌委會對形式做了一些調整，以便儘可能多的人能在2015年8月9日共享這一時刻。我們希望讓這次金禧慶典對儘可能多的新加坡人來說都特別。我的意思是？如果您允許，主席女士，我可以展示給您看。

主席：好的，請。 [ 向尊敬的議員們展示了幻燈片。]

黃永宏博士：首先，每個新加坡家庭，是的，我指的是每個新加坡家庭，約120萬個家庭，無論是組屋還是私人住宅，都將收到一份國慶樂包。即使他們不能來到帕丹或濱海灣周邊區域（我稍後會解釋），他們也可以在家觀看，揮舞同樣的旗幟，拍打同樣的拍手器，遍佈全島。

其次，我們將在濱海灣周邊開放若干獨立區域，讓更多人能夠親臨現場，享受2015年國慶慶典。看幻燈片，從帕丹開始——容量約為26,000人。但我們將開放去年國慶使用的浮動平臺，可容納25,000人；富麗敦酒店可容納約10,000人；濱海藝術中心前的高地可容納20,000人；濱海灣金沙活動廣場可容納30,000人；濱海灣花園可容納40,000人。

總體而言，我們認為整個區域可以容納超過150,000人。在其中一些地點，我們將設定巨型LED螢幕，觀眾可以觀看錶演，所有人都能現場觀看空中表演和煙花。2015年國慶煙花將是有史以來最大規模，空中表演也將是最大規模。我不想劇透，但這將是壯觀的。

將有許多值得觀賞的景象，供新加坡人銘記。在可能的情況下，閱兵隊伍、方陣以及機動方隊將前往濱海灣周邊的一些地點。

第115頁

下午5時45分

過去幾年，國慶慶典在一個場地的費用，大約為2,000萬新元。這包括為期六至八個月的排練所需的後勤裝置費用：四場國民教育（NE）演出、預演以及正式演出，過去幾年約有5,500名參與者和25,000名現場觀眾。當然，2015年國慶的規模更大，遠超以往。將有7,000名參與者，觀眾人數是以往的兩倍；濱海灣周邊將有大量人群，預計數千名新加坡人不僅會在濱海灣參與，電視觀眾估計有兩百萬人在家觀看。僅帕丹廣場的2015年國慶費用與以往相當。但由於新增場地和設施，金禧年國慶的總費用將是以往的兩倍左右。大約是兩倍。此外，120萬個趣味包將額外花費1,000萬新元，其中部分由企業贊助支援。

我們計劃舉辦一個讓所有新加坡人共同慶祝的國慶活動。但在設施帶來壓力之前，我想強調兩個重要點。

首先是安全。預計人群眾多，我希望所有國慶參與者關注自身及周圍人的安全。我們正與內政部合作，但公眾也需承擔個人責任。如果人人遵守指示，事故風險將降低。

其次是文明和清潔。即使我們今年以團結一心的方式慶祝國慶，反思我們共同取得的成就，我們當然不希望第二天發現整個濱海灣區域滿地垃圾。如果連自己製造的垃圾都無法清理乾淨，那將是我們作為一個民族的悲哀。主辦方將提供更多垃圾投放點，但我現在就提醒大家關注安全和清潔，讓這成為我們國慶的共同意識和期望。

主席女士，憑藉國民服役者及其家庭、僱主和社群的堅定承諾，武裝部隊將在武裝部隊50週年和國家金禧年繼續維護新加坡的獨立和主權。我們將努力確保未來世代也能享有我們今天的和平與安全。

第116頁

國民服役者的作戰準備與安全

莫哈達博士（宏茂橋）：女士，我們的國民服役者認真且自豪地履行服務國家和保持作戰準備的職責。他們表現出色，傾注全部心力和智慧。這其中包括我們的馬來族士兵，他們憑藉自身的才能和能力在武裝部隊中獲得榮譽和認可。他們被派往武裝部隊的各個職業和單位，並表現優異。

馬來族士兵在武裝部隊的廣泛部署，部分得益於馬來族人民行動黨議員持續與社群和政府的溝通。我很高興政府和武裝部隊採納了馬來族人民行動黨議員的許多反饋，並多年來做出了積極改變。我相信隨著國民服役者和士兵為保衛新加坡做好作戰準備，我們將在這方面繼續前進和進步。

[副議長（張志賢）主持]

新實施的三站個人體能測試（IPPT）引發了對國民服役者體能的關注，而體能對武裝部隊的作戰準備和效能至關重要。

國防部能否更新如何幫助確保國民服役者保持體能和作戰準備？此外，國民服役者的安全仍是關注點，尤其是家長，儘管國防部已採取措施改進武裝部隊的安全系統並增強其穩健性。國防部能否提供加強訓練和作戰安全的最新進展？

武裝部隊志願者團

任國強先生（蔡厝港）：吳慶瑞博士1976年曾說：“每個社會的安全必須或多或少依賴於廣大民眾的戰鬥精神。”

我們的武裝部隊正是我們人民戰鬥精神的體現。過去50年，它一直是抵禦外來侵略的堅強堡壘。雖然挑戰不斷演變，但由於非對稱威脅的出現，我們對防禦的需求可能比以往任何時候都更強烈。

我們的人口結構挑戰沉重，影響我們維持一支紀律嚴明、有效的武裝力量。基於此，我堅決歡迎武裝部隊志願者團的成立。我在2014年曾多次詢問進展，並歡迎

第117頁

2014年10月武裝部隊志願者團應用程式的推出所取得的進展。

武裝部隊志願者團為更廣泛的新加坡社群提供了參與國防的機會。志願者團指揮官譚邁克上校在邀請志願者時表示，許多人不懈努力確保新加坡的和平與安全，稱之為“崇高而艱鉅的職責”。

因此，我請求國防部更新志願者招募的進展、志願者的背景和資格，以及培訓如何進行。招募過程中是否遇到挑戰？有哪些保障措施確保安全和保密不受影響？

劉謙強先生（裕廊東）：先生，武裝部隊志願者團申請於2014年10月13日開放。我想請部長更新迄今收到和接受的申請數量，以及志願者團第一年的預計開支。

我還想了解志願者與國民服役兵、國民服役者和現役軍人並肩部署是否存在安全風險。安全審查是否足夠嚴格，尤其是申請人在新加坡境外居住期間的背景調查？

志願者只需完成兩週基礎軍事訓練、七天資格課程培訓，並每年可能被召集七天。如此縮短的訓練時間是否足夠？是否會引起國民服役者的不滿？例如，擔任安全士兵的訓練時間應相同，無論是志願者還是國民服役者。否則，國民服役者會質疑為何他們需花更多時間訓練同一角色，或是否所有訓練環節都必要。

志願者與國民服役者待遇公平性尤為重要。志願者採用不同的軍銜體系，其在營區的待遇應與其培訓和經驗相符。國民服役者不會輕易接受一名“法律專員”志願者在營區被視為完全訓練的武裝部隊軍官，或一名未經過常規醫官課程的“醫療教官”志願者被視為普通醫官。

如果政府視武裝部隊志願者團為讓第一代永久居民和公民參與新加坡軍事防禦的途徑，政府必須重視這些問題。

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ACCORD的新發展

王鼎群先生（三巴旺）：先生，1967年通過國會法案，新加坡的國防部隊由義務兵組成，成立並組織起來，過程並不輕鬆。國民服役法規定，所有18歲健康適齡男子須服兩年兵役。社群最初有牴觸情緒，這是可以理解的，因為這意味著將男性子女從父母身邊帶走兩年，面臨軍事生活的未知風險。

這說明社群支援對組建常備軍的重要性。當我們的男子從全職國民服役訓練轉為預備役訓練時，社群的支援和理解更為關鍵。召集他們離開平民生活，意味著打斷他們的職業生涯，影響僱主的運作能力。

國防社群關係諮詢委員會（ACCORD）由國防部於1984年成立，作為社群反饋新加坡國防相關問題的渠道。多年來，ACCORD成員在建立公眾對新加坡安全和國防需求的接受和支援方面發揮了重要作用。

儘管ACCORD一直是國防部和武裝部隊政策及計劃的有效反饋渠道，國防部長陳先生在2014年武裝部隊總司令部會議上宣佈重組ACCORD以加強社群對國民服役的支援，既及時又積極，儘管國民服役支援度依然很高。

對國防的承諾和社群對國民服役的支援必須持續強化，尤其在和平時期。危機時才行動為時已晚。

重組後的ACCORD設有三個理事會，旨在加強與企業、教育機構、家庭和社群等利益相關者的互動，強調國防重要性和國民服役的必要性。

國防部能否更新重組後ACCORD的進展？特別是各理事會的工作進展如何？這些理事會如何接觸僱主、學校和家庭等利益相關者？

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國防承諾

任國強先生：主席先生，“我們獨立最可靠的保障是強大的武裝部隊。強大的武裝部隊依賴於政治意志去付出努力和代價。”這是武裝部隊之父已故吳慶瑞博士1984年的話。

自武裝部隊成立50年來，新加坡的防禦依賴於新加坡人支援強大武裝力量政策的意願，以及個人承擔參與國防的責任。

全球和本地環境正在變化，我們的挑戰也在演變。外部挑戰已從傳統戰爭轉向非對稱威脅。內部挑戰也出現，關鍵是新加坡的人口變化，人口減少，導致武裝力量的徵召基礎縮小。

新加坡人的世界觀也發生了變化。對許多人來說，主權面臨的危險比過去少。國民服役作為新加坡男性的成年禮支援度仍高，但我們必須防止自滿。

我們需要重新承諾保衛國家，迴歸早期獨立精神。我們缺乏真正的軍旅和航海傳統，因此需要更多努力重新強調武裝部隊對新加坡長遠未來的重要性。

李光耀先生曾說：“沒有強大的武裝部隊，就沒有經濟未來，也沒有安全。”

國防部將如何確保新加坡人持續承諾國防？對長期前景有何看法？因此，我敦促國防部在這個重要的SG50和武裝部隊50週年裡，全面與新加坡人互動。挑戰會有，但正如歷史所示，我們能克服並變得更強。

公平和平等部署

穆哈末費薩爾·阿卜杜勒·馬納普先生（裕廊東）：去年武裝部隊總司令部辯論中，我曾請求儘快解決新加坡馬來族忠誠度問題。此請求基於《蘇拉·穆斯雅瓦拉報告》。我想強調一項做法，可能無意中導致了對新加坡馬來族忠誠度的不良看法。

在國防部長出席的一個論壇上，據《海峽時報》報道，部長被問及武裝部隊中對馬來族的偏見及馬來族被排除在海軍之外的問題。部長回應稱，海軍艦艇上有清真認證廚房的實際問題。

得知新加坡馬來族長期被排除在海軍艦艇之外，令人非常失望。更令人失望的是，這種排除源於實際問題。但最令人擔憂的是，這種做法可能被新加坡人誤解為武裝部隊對馬來族的偏見，以及對新加坡馬來族忠誠度的質疑。

下午6時

報道還稱，部長表示已做出安排，允許願意的馬來族新加坡人在海軍艦艇服役。這無疑是令人歡迎的改變，我讚賞國防部邁向更包容武裝部隊的步伐。我敦促部長認真考慮確保所有海軍艦艇配備清真認證廚房，使馬來族能自由服役，不受限制。我還敦促部長不僅止步於此，還要努力使整個武裝部隊成為一個包容開放、公平公正對待所有新加坡人的組織，無論種族、語言和宗教。

我最後想談談部長在論壇上關於軍事敏感職位的發言。部長被報道說，人員被部署到武裝部隊敏感單位是基於能力和信念，而非種族。我讚賞部長和國防部努力使武裝部隊成為包容開放、公平公正的組織。然而，我注意到部長提醒要謹慎，因為“有人可能被勒索”。我同意部長必須確保被派往敏感職位的人不會危害國家安全，但我希望部長澄清他指的是哪類人？他們如何可能被勒索？

武裝部隊先驅

任國強先生：李光耀先生在2012年淡馬錫學會對話中說：“武裝部隊表現超出我預期。那是因為成長的一代知道所涉及的利害關係。”

正如部長所提，2015年意義重大：既是國家金禧年，也是武裝部隊成立50週年。1965年，我們還有英國駐軍，但他們於1971年加速撤離，意味著早期武裝部隊先驅必須迅速建立一支可信賴的防禦力量。

我曾與武裝部隊退伍軍人聯盟成員一同出席武裝部隊50週年@Vivo啟動儀式。身處像沙馬蘇丁上尉（退役）這樣的前輩中，令人感慨。他雖年事已高，卻仍展現1966年作為嚴厲軍士長的堅韌和鐵意志。

我歡迎並全力支援武裝部隊退伍軍人和先驅在教育和引導下一代武裝部隊先驅中的角色。我也期待更多武裝部隊50週年活動紀念這一重要里程碑。但更重要的是，我希望我們能更多地認可和尊重我們的先驅。一些最早批次的武裝部隊和國民服役者不符合先驅世代計劃資格，但他們確實服役過。國防部是否考慮以類似方式認可這些老兵，以免他們的犧牲被遺忘？

國慶閱兵

李慧玲女士：主席，年度國慶閱兵已成為新加坡人生活中的標誌性八月活動之一，伴隨其他慶祝國家生日的活動。參與者心懷愛國情懷，熱情歡呼，唱響國歌，享受這場獨具新加坡特色的視聽盛宴。

今年因是我們50歲生日，期望值很高，人民對國防部舉辦一場令人難忘的閱兵充滿信心。部長剛剛向我們透露了今年帕丹廣場的部分內容。部長能否介紹更多國慶閱兵的其他亮點？

黃碧芳女士（淡濱尼）：聽部長對國慶閱兵的預告，感覺很激動，但我希望它不會變成一場盛大表演、多媒體音樂會或僅僅是電視上的花哨秀。我覺得今年的國慶閱兵應有另一種獨特和特別之處。它應當是每位現場和觀看者的真實體驗，激發我們的情感，啟發我們的想象力。

先生，新加坡於1966年在帕丹舉行了首次國慶閱兵。儘管仍沉浸在分離的創傷中，並對國家的生存感到焦慮，我們的先驅者們還是鼓起勇氣和想象力，舉辦了一場主題為：

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民族自豪感與對未來的信心的閱兵。亮點之一是由23,000名男女老少組成的六個志願部隊分隊——人民防衛軍（PDF）——進行了19分鐘的行進。PDF剛於1965年12月30日成立，包括其女性分隊，這是他們首次公開閱兵。PDF分隊中還有幾位部長和國會議員，他們首次穿上軍官候補生制服。

我們的開國總理李光耀在回憶錄中寫道：“他們表現勇敢，受到敬禮士兵背後的人群和街道兩旁觀眾的熱烈歡呼，因為他們認出了穿制服的曬黑的部長和國會議員，步伐堅定，雖然缺乏軍姿風範。”

在他的口述歷史中，曾參加那次閱兵的部長之一歐思曼·沃克透露，是李先生親自勸說部長和國會議員參加PDF分隊。

那次國慶閱兵是在人民士氣極度低落的時期舉行的，極大地增強了他們對國家和領導人的信心。當時，新加坡只有兩個步兵團，均由馬來西亞指揮，幾乎沒有自己的正規軍。我們的先驅領導人從零開始艱苦努力建立了新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）。如今我們取得了多大進步。我們的武裝部隊已證明是一支強大且可信賴的軍事力量，是國家的驕傲。

今年我們慶祝新加坡獨立50週年，不能忘記我們的先驅一代，尤其是開國領導人，他們克服重重困難帶領我們走到今天。為了尊重先驅精神，我們應邀請當年參加首屆國慶閱兵的PDF志願者，如果他們仍在且能夠出席，應給予他們應有的關注，讓他們在今年的金禧閱兵中重返帕丹，回到一切開始的地方。

還有一位額外的先驅領導人，我們必須尊敬：我們的開國總理李光耀。作為一個國家，在今年的國慶閱兵中向他致以特別敬意是恰當的。沒有他堅強且有遠見的領導，沒有他的決心和勇氣，新加坡絕不會成為今天這個自由且強大的國家，正如我們社群歌中常唱的那樣。

我擔心如果我們錯過這個時刻，我們會對犧牲和服務的觀念變得麻木，視那些先輩的淚水和汗水為理所當然。致敬是展現國家感恩之心的方式。如果有時間讓國家為紀念和情感留出空間，那就是今年的國慶閱兵。即使李先生可能不願意或不期待，我認為作為一個國家，在這個特殊場合尊敬他是重要的。

我想請教部長是否考慮將此作為今年國慶閱兵的一部分。我也呼籲新成立的新加坡武裝部隊志願軍團（SAF Volunteer Corps），其實是PDF的再現，參與其中。這是為了展示先驅一代與新一代之間的連續性，彌合代溝。

國防部第二部長（陳振聲先生）：主席先生，我們國防的基石是我們保衛自己所有的承諾。我們不能保衛的，也不承諾保衛的，就不屬於我們。這種承諾不僅依賴於歷代服役於武裝部隊的新加坡國民服役兵，也依賴於所有未直接服役的公民，更依賴於社會中的所有機構和組織。為了激發國民服役兵的承諾，我們必須對他們進行良好且安全的訓練，善用他們的時間和才能，最後也是最重要的，是給予他們應有的認可。

英丹博士問及我們的體能訓練計劃。體能是國民服役兵能力的基礎。我們希望他們為執行任務、為自己、為家庭和國家保持良好體能。我們已宣佈自2015年4月1日起，體能評估系統將演變為三站制，便於訓練並鼓勵國民服役兵表現優異。自去年起，我們也給予國民服役兵更多時間——12個月——來訓練、準備並達到體能要求。我們推出了“公園體能評估”，方便他們訓練。我們還試驗使用iDAT和Fitbit，幫助他們更好地管理自己的體能訓練。所有這些措施都是為了配合他們在履行家庭和經濟責任的同時，支援他們的體能之旅。這些措施也將補充武裝部隊的職業體能訓練，準備國民服役兵和新兵應對作戰需求。

英丹博士還詢問了我們的安全系統更新。在訓練安全方面，我們對訓練和醫療系統進行了多項改進，更好地照顧國民服役兵。武裝部隊醫療服務與國家醫療體系緊密合作，互相借力，共同照顧所有服役人員和新加坡公民。例如，我們最近開設了武裝部隊心臟健康中心，與國家心臟中心整合。此類合作使我們能夠共享資源，並將武裝部隊的健康和醫療標準與國家體系對標。自2015年1月起，武裝部隊還建立了緊急救護車服務，與私人救護車運營商合作，使重傷員在途中接受治療的同時直接送往醫院。

在戰術層面，我們利用士兵追蹤系統監控士兵在複雜地形和小單位行動中的位置。該系統不僅在作戰上有用，也增強了撤離系統的信心。武裝部隊還在幕後調整工作休息週期，更好地管理士兵的體力負荷，調節生理壓力，同時實現最佳作戰表現。為減少中暑傷害，還引入了熱應激監測器，密切監測區域性天氣狀況。

為了善用國民服役兵的時間和才能，作為加強國民服役委員會（CSNC）建議的一部分，國防部和內政部將調整入伍前的體檢和行政安排。目前，45%的預備役入伍者在完成中學後四個月內入伍。未來，這一比例將提高到90%，其餘將在六個月內入伍。此舉將影響每年超過20,000名入伍者。

現在談談時間管理。年輕人的學習方式已改變，我們的訓練教學法也必須隨之演進。國防部將繼續擴大LEARNet的使用，預計節省15%至20%的訓練時間，將節省的時間用於士兵的實操訓練。我們還在重新設計訓練裝備系統，使國民服役兵能更多時間專注訓練，減少行政工作。

例如，我們正在建設一個新的戰術交戰系統裝備站，今年投入使用。該站可在半天內為一個步兵或裝甲營配備戰術交戰系統，遠少於之前的24小時。關於動員和裝備，我去年已提及，裝備一個旅級部隊所需的24小時將大幅縮短，節省的時間可供士兵進行復訓，指揮官則準備作戰計劃。

國防部還通過善用服役人員的才能和精力來激發他們的承諾。武裝部隊奉行擇優原則，根據才能、能力和承諾將士兵分配到最合適的崗位。否則毫無意義，因為人才是我們最寶貴的資源。

國防部和內政部將繼續認可國民服役兵。國服認可獎（NSRA）將升級為國服“住房、醫療和教育”獎（NS HOME Awards）。

此前，國民服役兵在服役過程中三個里程碑可獲得9,000至10,500新元的獎勵。今後，他們將額外獲得6,000新元的醫療儲蓄金補助。從2015年9月起，我們將提前發放部分補助，幫助國民服役兵支付服役期間的醫療保險（MediShield Life）保費。

自2014年9月實施以來，已有超過56,000名國民服役兵受益，發放金額約2.7億新元。

謝義斌先生、劉謙強先生和任國強先生詢問了志願軍團。主席先生，現在談談激發未直接服役於武裝部隊的新加坡人承諾的問題。

坦率地說，所有新加坡家庭都直接或間接為武裝部隊作出貢獻。幾代父母、配偶、女友鼓勵和支援他們的兒子、丈夫和男友服役，直接或間接地貢獻於國防。

三月，另一群人將以不同方式展示他們對國防的承諾。他們將組成新加坡武裝部隊志願軍團（SAF Volunteer Corps，簡稱SAFVC），延續新加坡志願軍團的光榮傳統，早於武裝部隊成立之前。

首批志願軍團成員將於2015年3月開始訓練，也就是本月。自去年10月開始招募，已有近900名申請者。預計今年招收100至150名志願者。他們是新加坡公民和第一代永久居民的良好混合。他們將在多種崗位與國民服役兵並肩服役。他們帶來的不僅是國防的作戰能力，更重要的是，他們展現了對國防的全新承諾維度。通過行動，他們證明了願意為保衛我們的國家付出額外努力。

回應劉謙強先生的問題，不同的志願軍團成員具備不同能力，我們將根據其能力匹配部署，確保有效且安全。所有志願軍團成員都將進行安全審查，與國民服役兵一樣，沒有區別。

翁鼎群先生問及ACCORD。社會支援是我們國防承諾的最後支柱。自去年8月起，我們重組了ACCORD，設立三個理事會——僱主與企業理事會、家庭與社群理事會以及教育機構理事會。此舉旨在擴大社會各界代表，藉助他們的想法和網路，加強國防承諾。

此時，我也要感謝三位聯合主席——周志強先生、江佩蓉女士和英達妮女士，以及他們的眾多小組委員會，過去幾個月辛勤工作，提出了許多建議。國防部已接受今年所有建議，並將逐步落實這些良好想法。

我先介紹僱主與企業理事會的最新情況，國防部國務部長馬立基隨後將介紹另外兩個理事會的工作。

僱主與企業理事會建議我們改革全民防衛獎，表彰更多來自不同領域的個人和組織，他們為新加坡國防作出貢獻。例如，除了表彰僱主和公司外，還應表彰支援國民服役兵履行職責的同事和直接上司。

另一個例子是，不同行業和領域支援國民服役兵面臨不同挑戰。貿易行業的支援需求與工廠不同。我們也知道中小企業（SMEs）和大型跨國公司（MNCs）面臨的挑戰不同。因此，我們將與相關行業協會和商會合作，改革獎項，表彰更多來自不同領域和不同規模公司的貢獻者。

僱主與企業理事會還認識到，國民服役兵在服役期間獲得的許多技能，尤其是領導、組織和管理技能，對企業運營極為寶貴。國民服役兵在武裝部隊的表現也向公司傳遞了員工潛力、活力、能力和承諾的重要訊號。因此，國防部與僱主達成共識，將合作讓僱主更好地瞭解他們的國民服役兵員工的才能和特質，從而更好地利用這些人才。

僱主與企業理事會還建議國防部加強與僱主的溝通，及時告知員工即將參加的營區訓練安排，幫助僱主更好地安排工作，給予國民服役兵安心準備服役的環境。

僱主與企業理事會的外展工作也為許多僱主提供了新的視角，瞭解國民服役兵的工作。他們對員工在營區的表現、召回訓練中的承諾等給予積極反饋。這些都激發了他們對國家防務的新承諾，因為他們更理解員工不僅在和平時期為公司工作，也為國家的集體防禦貢獻力量，沒有國家安全，他們的企業無法繁榮。

知識和理解是社會支援的第一步。我們將繼續加強與僱主和企業的合作，為國民服役兵履行職責提供最強有力的支援。

主席先生，武裝部隊最強大的武器是人民的承諾。我曾遇到一位來自他國的年輕士兵。他的軍隊沒有我們先進的技術，他知道自己的軍隊不如我們強大。但他直視我的眼睛告訴我，如果有人膽敢未經邀請進入他的祖國並意圖傷害他們，他將親自驅逐他們——即使手中只有一根竹矛。我尊重這位年輕士兵的精神和決心。我認為我們可以從他身上學到很多。

是的，今天武裝部隊是一支有能力的軍隊，我們能保衛屬於我們的東西。但如果沒有勇氣、意志、決心和團結，這支有能力的軍隊也將一無所成。

另一方面，如果我們能將先進的軍事能力與堅定的決心結合起來，激發人民、整個社會——國民服役兵、所有新加坡人、企業和社會公民組織的承諾，那麼我必須說，我們將擁有一支強大甚至不可戰勝的防禦機器。

主席先生，現在請國防部國務部長馬立基介紹ACCORD的進一步工作。

國防部國務部長（莫哈末·馬立基·奧斯曼博士）：主席先生，ACCORD是一個重要平臺，鼓勵自下而上的舉措，加強對國民服役的支援。陳部長談到了ACCORD及其更新的方向和結構，旨在加深對服役人員的理解。我與榕樹集團高階副總裁江佩蓉女士共同主持家庭與社群理事會，與教育部高階國務部長英達妮女士共同主持教育機構理事會。通過這兩個理事會，我們希望接觸學校和高等教育機構，加強家庭和社群對國民服役的支援。我們邀請社群成員參與理事會。成員們自任命以來，努力工作，提出了許多富有成效的倡議。讓我分享其中幾項。

例如，教育機構理事會匯聚了教育機構成員和其他利益相關者，探討加強國民服役支援的方法。目前，國民服役兵可在大學學習開始前報名參加特別強化和複訓課程。這些課程幫助他們順利過渡回大學，尤其是開始新專業學習時，也可能計入大學學分。理事會將探討如何提升現有課程，更好滿足學生學習需求，並探索其他支援國民服役兵的措施。

F&C委員會的成員們也積極與我們的社群互動，提出良好建議以加強對國民服役和國防的支援。每年，在新加坡武裝部隊日（SAF Day）期間，我們都能獲得商家和企業的大力支援，他們為我們的服役男士和女士提供折扣。去年，共有151家零售商參與，涵蓋時尚、餐飲、電子等多個行業，通過提供折扣和優惠表達對武裝部隊的感謝。這是社群強有力的支援表現。我們希望鼓勵更多顯著且持續的自發支援，支援我們的服役人員。

在這方面，我們將與人民協會（PA）和SAFRA合作，爭取社群和本地企業的支援。人民協會正在研究如何為服役人員，包括國民服役男士（NSmen）和國民服役兵（NSFs），提供社群中心設施使用特權。SAFRA也在考慮提升其會員特權。我們希望通過他們與各商家的合作與網路，能為服役人員提供更多福利和折扣，以表彰他們的服務。

F&C委員會還認為，鑑於女性對其服役的兒子、丈夫或兄弟提供的重要支援，向女性群體推廣國防知識非常重要。因此，委員會建議我們與新加坡婦女組織理事會及人民協會的婦女融合網絡合作，舉辦母親分享支援子女服役經歷的活動。我們也在考慮與國民服役男士的妻子及年輕女性開展交流活動。

主席先生，重組後的ACCORD及其三個委員會採取了比前身更積極主動的方式。成員們積極領導各項舉措，這些自下而上的努力將對我們與各利益相關者的聯絡和互動產生重大影響，提升對國防的承諾和對國民服役的支援。

司徒一斌先生和任澤民先生詢問我們如何紀念SAF50。我很高興地報告，今年武裝部隊計劃了一系列以“我們的武裝部隊：賦予國家力量”為主題的SAF50活動。這些活動旨在認可和表彰所有為國家防衛服務的男女貢獻。確實，SAF50是我們向所有為維護主權和捍衛生活方式，尤其是我們的先驅者，奉獻自己的人表達感謝的方式。

早期武裝部隊資源匱乏，但我們的先驅者以堅韌和決心彌補了這一不足。主席先生，若獲允許，我想展示一些這些先驅者的照片。

主席：好的，請展示。[幻燈片向尊敬的議員們展示。]

莫哈末·馬利基·奧斯曼博士：這些先驅者包括第一和第二新加坡步兵團計程車兵；來自新加坡志願軍、新加坡海軍志願軍和新加坡婦女輔助海軍服務隊及其他志願部隊的志願者，他們中的許多人在1965年武裝部隊成立時成為成員。這些先驅者是早期的軍官批次，以及1967年國民服役制度實施後響應召喚的國民服役男士。

上個月，我們舉辦了首個SAF50公眾活動——SAF50@Vivo。該活動於2月12日至15日舉行，四天內吸引了超過87,000名訪客。活動除了常見的軍事裝備展示和趣味活動外，核心是一場以武裝部隊故事為主題的展覽。這些故事講述了我們的先驅者及其信念和犧牲，講述了支援武裝部隊的男女，無論是武裝部隊內部還是更廣泛的新加坡社群。展覽中一位先驅者是退役中校蒂莫西·德索薩，他是1973年共和國空軍首支飛行表演隊的一員。另一位先驅者是退役中校賽義德·易卜拉欣，他參與了對抗行動，後來成為培訓首批軍官學員的教官。

另一則故事講述了志願輔導員、兩子之母艾麗莎·恆。她談到通過國民服役，她的兒子“在人生觀上變得成熟，變得不那麼以自我為中心，更能接受生活中的小不便”。我非常欣慰，許多新加坡人通過展覽中的故事產生共鳴並學到了很多。

下午6點30分

訪問SAF50@Vivo的40多歲韓妮女士表示，展覽幫助她與在SAF50展位交談的服役人員產生了個人聯絡。她說：“通過他們，我瞭解了我兒子在國民服役期間的經歷和感受。”另一位訪客，24歲的蔡特蕾莎女士說，此次活動提醒她“整個社群必須團結起來，捍衛和保護我們國家的福利和主權”。

我對這些評論感到欣慰。它們提醒我，正因為有武裝部隊，我們才有了一個讓不同背景的新加坡人互動、共同訓練並建立持久友誼的共同空間。結果，我們建立了深厚的社會資本，為國家提供力量。通過SAF50@Vivo和ACCORD委員會的外展努力，我們將繼續與社群及婦女、學校等群體互動，深化武裝部隊多年來建立的社會資本和善意。我們將在全年繼續紀念SAF50。

為了擴大影響力，SAF50展覽將巡迴至新加坡各地的公共場所，包括區域圖書館，展期至2015年10月。展覽故事將釋出於SAF50網站和紀念冊，並改編成短影片。紀念冊將於今年7月釋出，收錄70多個故事，從外交、國防技術、行動到家庭和社群支援、媒體及娛樂等多個視角展現武裝部隊。

司徒一斌先生和任澤民先生還詢問SAF先驅者是否參與SAF50活動。我很高興許多先驅者參加了SAF50@Vivo展覽，其他重要活動如SAF50閱兵、SAF50紀念晚宴和總統府花園SAF50招待會也將有他們出席。受邀的先驅者包括首批國民服役軍官和軍士、首批軍官學員、1965年前服役的先驅者，以及為重要本地和海外任務做出貢獻的服役人員。

其中一些人物包括我們服役時間最長的國防部隊司令退役准將溫斯頓·朱、傳奇的團軍士長如退役上尉洪成馬克（綽號“虎洪”）和退役上尉沙姆蘇丁·沙丹等。

[女議長主持會議]

武裝部隊各編制和單位也將邀請自己的先驅者參與慶祝活動。在此，我也注意到謝健平先生建議國防部支援單位校友會聚會。確實，我們希望讓先驅者和前幾批退役軍人與年輕一代更緊密聯絡。他們的經歷、回憶和動力激勵著我們。

主席女士，若獲允許，我想再展示幾張先驅者的照片。

主席：好的，請展示。[幻燈片向尊敬的議員們展示。]

莫哈末·馬利基·奧斯曼博士：像退役上校吳來春、退役中校賽義德·易卜拉欣和退役中校達爾吉特·辛格這樣的先驅者參與了對抗行動。他們在新加坡歷史的艱難時期為戰友、家人和國家安全而戰。

我們還有海軍先驅者，如退役中校賈斯旺特·辛格·吉爾和退役高階軍士威成良，他們見證了海軍從初創到如今的發展。共和國空軍的退役少校阿格尼斯·方是首批女性軍官之一，後來成為武裝部隊首位女性指揮官。她們將繼續激勵我們和下一代。

任澤民先生還問國防部如何與新加坡人互動以增強公眾對國防的承諾。我們的出發點很簡單。我們相信每個人都應在國防中發揮作用。所有利益相關者，無論是母親、僱主、教師還是學生，都應承擔個人國防責任。這就是為什麼我們通過ACCORD工作，匯聚來自企業、學校和社群的不同利益相關者，共同貢獻並展示對國民服役的支援。

除了ACCORD，我們還積極與基層領導、僱主、工會領袖、海外新加坡人、永久居民、新公民、婦女組織等通過訪問武裝部隊單位和其他活動保持溝通，及時傳達國民服役和國防相關資訊。我們的目標是儘可能包容。

在教育部合作下，33所高等教育機構與47個武裝部隊單位結對，共同組織如單位參觀等活動，供學生參與。

我們需要持續努力與公眾互動，因為新加坡的國防力量取決於人民保衛國家的意志。這也是為何我們今年在2月13日SAF50@Vivo期間啟動了“國防承諾大使”計劃，一些先驅者和退役軍人將與年輕新加坡人交流，分享早期的奮鬥、經歷和成就。我希望這些故事能激勵年輕一代，賦予他們為新加坡盡責的精神和力量。

確實，女士們先生們，在我們慶祝SG50和SAF50之際，必須銘記先驅者所體現的精神和力量。我們必須利用這種精神，努力建設一個更安全、更繁榮的新加坡未來。

主席：我們有時間進行澄清。有人想提出問題嗎？謝永勇女士。

謝永勇女士（提名議員）：女士，謝謝。我聽到部長們談到承諾、內心的重要性，也聽到人們說他們為成為士兵感到自豪和投入。以我個人經驗，我與許多人交談，聽到積極評價國民服役的聲音令人耳目一新，因為我接觸的大多數人對國民服役持非常負面的看法。許多人持懷疑態度，我聽到有人說“我看不到為什麼我要保衛國家”，還有人說“我們的訓練不夠好”。

我想請教部長，我們如何應對這些問題。我認為某些世代可能已經過去，但對於即將進入國民服役的年輕人，我們如何培養他們對國家的熱愛和激情，使他們無論面對何種人和環境，都願意訓練，因為他們相信保衛國家的重要性？

黃永宏博士：女士，感謝提名議員的發言。她說得對。武裝部隊是社會的縮影。你不能指望每個人都持有相同的觀點和承諾。我告訴你，整體趨勢是我們在逆流而上。

我們有一張圖表顯示近年來實行徵兵制的國家數量在減少。在亞洲，真正實行徵兵制的只有韓國和我們，因為國民服役以保護國家是一項艱難的事業。我想給出的答案不是粉飾太平或不切實際，而是必須持續下去。我們嘗試了多種方式——正如第二部長和國務部長所說——無論是“國防承諾大使”計劃，還是通過SAF50展覽或國慶慶典，這都是一個持續的過程。

但我相信，總體上，新加坡人在關鍵時刻會保衛新加坡。我相信我們已經建立了足夠的善意和信念。我承認謝女士所說，有些人覺得自己沒有那份心或強烈的承諾去保衛新加坡；他們確實存在。我們會繼續努力。但無論他們如何，每個人都知道必須服國民服役，在此期間，我們會繼續努力幫助他們理解為何必須保衛國家。

女士，若獲允許，我還想回應一些問題，因為我們還有幾分鐘澄清時間。

其中一位是黃碧雲議員問及首屆國慶遊行（NDP）中行進的人員是否也會參加今年的50週年慶典。他們現在年紀稍長，但正如她所說，“他們中的一些人會回來”。確實如此。不僅是首屆NDP隊伍，前幾屆的隊伍如果不行進，也會作為觀眾參加。國慶遊行籌委會認為，重現或召回舊時的NDP行進隊伍是有意義的。因此，將有一場復古遊行，護士穿著舊制服，警察穿著短褲。他們不會是首屆NDP的行進者，而是穿著相同服裝的年輕人。

但我完全同意議員的觀點，這不僅僅是表演。如果只是這樣，我們就失敗了。正如議員所指出，我們必須有一個觸點，向人們解釋、強調、共同慶祝、回顧我們作為一個國家所取得的成就，並展望未來。

我還想回應費薩爾·馬納普議員的觀點。感謝他對我們關於馬來族在武裝部隊政策的支援。正如我和歷任國防部長所說，武裝部隊對國民服役士兵的部署基於他們的能力、天賦和對新加坡的承諾。如果你對新加坡有承諾且具備能力，我們會把你安排在最合適的位置。

他提到我在耶魯-新加坡國立大學和法學院的一次座談中所說的話。必須澄清背景。有個問題是“你們如何部署他們到敏感崗位？”我提到了安全審查，這是這些崗位的常規程式。議員們會覺得如果對敏感崗位不做安全審查，武裝部隊是不負責任的。你知道其他國家發生了什麼，斯諾登事件就是典型例子，機密洩露，人員安全受威脅。這是常規做法。

我們會繼續確保每位國民服役的新加坡人都能得到最佳利用，就像我們在CSNS中所做的那樣。得到議員們的支援，我相信我們能繼續保持強大的國防力量。

主席：費薩爾·馬納普先生。

穆罕默德·費薩爾·阿卜杜勒·馬納普先生：女士，我想表達我的觀點。我的印象是，部長提到敏感領域時，可能與我個人在國民服役期間的經歷有關。所以我想問部長，是否有某些敏感領域實際上對馬來族是禁區？因為我當時的經歷讓我有這種假設。

黃永宏博士：女士，國防部內確實有一些敏感單位對華人、印度人也是禁區。種族不是因素，關鍵是承諾。你可以想象，這些單位甚至對高階人員也有限制，取決於敏感程度。這就是軍隊的運作方式，必須保守秘密。

你知道“Loose lips sink ships”（多嘴害船沉）這句口號。安全人員都明白。這是軍隊和安全機構的常規做法，普遍適用。我們必須保護資訊安全，基於安全審查限制訪問。

主席：黃碧雲女士。

下午6點45分

黃碧雲女士：我想澄清，當我說邀請首屆國慶遊行的人民防衛隊志願者參與今年國慶遊行時，我並不是指讓他們行進，而是邀請他們並給予應有的關注，讓他們感受到被尊重和感謝。

黃永宏博士：我們會邀請能找到的人參加。是的，一些人會參與。但更大的目標是策劃一場讓所有新加坡人團結、更加樂觀、更加堅定地共創美好未來的慶典。我們需要所有新加坡人的幫助。

國慶遊行籌委會知道任務艱鉅，標準很高，因為有很多請求。他們會盡力而為。但我希望大家在8月9日享受國慶遊行表演。正如我所說，遊行結束後，請保持街道清潔，注意安全。我相信只要我們用心，把這次活動作為回顧國家發展、增進團結、展望未來的契機，國慶遊行就會達到預期目的。

主席：如果沒有其他澄清，司徒一斌先生，您是否願意撤回您的修正案？

薛奕彬先生：是的，夫人。再次感謝各位議員的發言，以及我們的部長和國務部長的回應。夫人，謹此請求撤回我的修正案。

[(程式文本) 修正案，經許可，撤回。 (程式文本)]

[(程式文本) 頭J項下的126.91億新元列入主要預算案。 (程式文本)]

[(程式文本) 頭J項下的4.31億新元列入發展預算案。 (程式文本)]

第136頁

英文原文

SPRS Hansard · Fetched: 2026-05-02

SAF50

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin (Potong Pasir) : Madam, I beg to move,

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

Madam, 2015 marks both SG50 as well as SAF50. Last month, MINDEF kicked off the first in a series of commemorative events with SAF50@Vivo. I would like to begin by asking the Minister for Defence to share with the House his thoughts on the significance of SAF50 and what the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) intend to do to honour the contributions of our SAF pioneers?

Madam, last year, I encouraged people to sign up as an SAF Volunteer in this House. I am happy to hear from SAF that since then, some 800 persons have applied to be SAF volunteers under the SAF Volunteer Corps, or SAFVC Scheme. Around 50 successful applicants will begin their Basic Training as early as next month.

We should be happy and proud that so many have come forward to take part in the SAF-VC and to share in the National Service experience and make their own National Service commitment.

Madam, National Service is almost as old as the nation itself. It began when then Defence Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee moved the Second Reading of the National Service (Amendment) Bill in March 1967. He also announced that 9,000 males born between 1 January 1949 and 30 June 1949 would be called up for National Service. By mid-April 1967, more than 90% of the 9,000 males eligible for National Service had registered.

You may think this was Singapore National Service Version 1.0. I think many in this House, including myself when I found out, will be surprised to know that this is actually National Service Version 2.0.

National Service 1.0 began as early as 1952, when the National Service Bill was tabled on 4 March. At the Second Reading of the Bill, then Acting Colonial Secretary Andrew Gilmour explained to the Legislative Council that the main purpose of the Bill was to give the Government the power to introduce National Service whenever necessary in order to meet the defence needs of Singapore and to ensure that the responsibility of defending the Colony could be spread fairly among the population.

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National Service Volunteer Corps

The National Defence Ordinance came into effect on 1 March 1954 and the colonial Government then tried calling up 1,000 youths through a ballot after some 24,000 eligible persons were registered. This attempt did not go smoothly as some 500 Chinese High school students demonstrated against the new law on 13 May 1954. They clashed with the Police. This incident later came to be known as the National Service Riots of 1954.

Madam, what is the main lesson we can learn from the failed Nation Service Version 1.0? The first and main lesson is that people who perform National Service must believe in defending something that belonged to them. The Colony then belonged to the British, not to the youths who were called up.

As Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing said weeks ago, "The most powerful weapon that Singapore and SAF have is not something that we buy overseas, not something that we can build, but something in our hearts. It is the desire and the willingness to fight for our independence, to remain independent so that we can determine our destiny for years and generations to come". National Service Version 1.0 failed because the most powerful weapon, the heart, was not there. Version 2.0 succeeded because we were independent and our heart was, therefore, in the right place.

Many will also believe that the SAF-VC scheme is also SAF Volunteer Corps Version 1.0. Actually, it is not even Version 2.0 but probably Version 3.0. Version 1.0 can be found when the People's Defence Force (PDF) Bill was passed on 30 December 1965, shortly after Independence. Three months later, some 3,200 males had volunteered to join the PDF. This was before National Service was introduced in the form as we know it today. But given our small population, a volunteer PDF cannot adequately meet the defence needs of Singapore and, hence, Dr Goh had to introduce "modern" National Service Version 2.0 in 1967.

And even when we introduced National Service in 1967, there was also a Volunteer Scheme of sorts that started in tandem. Many skilled individuals volunteered to help to kick-start the SAF's development of capabilities. One example is the SAF Medical Corps which began in the 1960s with many volunteer doctors and nurses who need not have done National Service. The Medical Corps is now a professional branch of SAF, highly trained and equipped to perform difficult missions in many parts of the world, as we have seen when they are deployed in many disaster relief and rescue missions.

Madam, but its leadership began as a largely volunteer one. Many of them are now in their 70s and 80s, and some have sadly passed on. The Minister of Defence will be familiar with some of these giants in the medical field, such as the late Dr Jimmy Choo, Dr Earl Lu and Dr Richard Yung, our previous Permanent Secretary and Director of Medical Services, Dr Kwa

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Soon Bee and many others. I hope that even as MINDEF honours our Pioneer National Servicemen as part of SG50, we also remember these pioneer volunteers that helped to shape SAF in its formative years.

Goodwill from SAF Overseas Missions

Madam, let us now also revisit what is the stated mission of MINDEF and SAF.

"The mission of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and, should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor."

4.45 pm

Logically, the first mission of SAF must be to act as a deterrent. Would-be aggressors are deterred from attacking us because of a strong SAF. The second mission of SAF is the terrible task of destroying our enemies as quickly and comprehensively as possible when war starts.

As opposed to soft power, which I had talked about earlier, SAF is the rawest and most obvious form of hard power we have. But it can also be a tool for soft power.

Diplomacy is soft power in action. As stated in the mission of MINDEF and SAF, diplomacy helps to enhance peace and security. The SAF has done this many times in the past through our overseas missions. Examples include helping our Thailand and Indonesia neighbours during the 2004 Tsunami, earthquake relief efforts in New Zealand in 2011, the flood relief efforts in Kelantan, Malaysia, late last year, as well as our Navy helping Indonesia in the recent tragic Air Asia QZ8501 crash in search and rescue.

These are important missions where our SAF has contributed significantly in many ways that are beyond the obvious. These missions contribute to better mutual understanding, respect and trust. Countries and armed forces that go through hardship together and, hence, understand, respect and trust each other more are less likely to go to war with each other. It is in our self-interest to be a good neighbour. It is part and parcel of the SAF mission of engaging in diplomacy so as to secure our peace and stability.

At this juncture, I would like to ask if the Minister for Defence can share with the House the experiences that the SAF has learnt from its overseas missions.

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Of course, there are limits to how much or how frequent we can deploy our SAF assets in such missions. The first restriction or precondition is that other countries must welcome and invite us, as we make the first effort to offer our assistance. The second consideration is that as a largely conscript army, we must be conscious that we do not expose our National Service boys to unnecessary and great risk.

Even so, I would encourage the Minister for Defence to consider putting MINDEF and SAF on a more pro-active footing. We may not even need to wait for a crisis or disaster to take part in humanitarian efforts. As we celebrate SG50 and the hallowed institution of National Service, and as SAF develops and matures, it is also time to actively develop the third stated mission of MINDEF and SAF – which is diplomacy.

[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]

The Chairman : Dr Lim Wee Kiak, you have two cuts. Please take them together.

Regional Defence Diplomacy

Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Nee Soon) : Madam, Singapore's security is inexplicably tied to our relations with our neighbours. It is, therefore, important for us to understand our neighbours' military and defence abilities and plans. In recent years, there have also been talks of an arms race going on in ASEAN. Perhaps largely fuelled by territorial disputes, some countries in the region have begun to import more arms, submarines, in particular.

What is the annual growth of our neighbours' defence budgets in absolute and in percentage terms over the past few years? Does the Minister think that there is an ongoing arms race going on in the ASEAN region? Should we be concerned? What is the state of our bilateral defence relationships with our immediate neighbours?

Additionally, what confidence-building measures has MINDEF taken to forge good, enduring defence relationships with our neighbours? I am heartened to note that just recently, Minister Ng Eng Hen has signed a Letter of Intent with Malaysia's Minister for Defence to enhance cooperation on military and defence matters. We need to develop trust and understanding between neighbours. I believe we can look forward to similar levels of affirmations and friendship with other ASEAN neighbours in the days ahead.

International Defence Diplomacy

Madam, major powers like the United States (US) and China play an important role in the security and stability of our region. In recent years, both countries have increased their military presence in this region and particularly in the South China Sea. The US will reportedly

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deploy four warships to Singapore by 2018 and this has been envisioned to be on a rotational basis.

The days of the Cold War would seem to be gradually warming up from Europe to Asia. I envisage it is a matter of time before the Russians start eyeing this region. They have been courting China and India so as not to be left out in the cold, except that, for now, they are pre-occupied with events in Europe.

There is a criss-cross of defence arrangements between individual ASEAN countries and the US, and certainly among ASEAN countries as well. What are the implications of this growing military presence of the US and China on the strategic defence arrangements and architecture in our region? Should we expect to host a greater foreign military presence in the near future in our region? How will this affect our defence diplomacy within the region and with the major powers that we host?

Maintaining and advancing defence relationships with the major powers are important for security and diplomacy. Joint training, in particular, will be mutually beneficial and highly enriching for our own defence forces, and I hope we can seek to achieve more of such arrangements. How has MINDEF continued to advance our defence relationships with the major powers?

International and Regional Security

Ms Ellen Lee (Sembawang) : Chairman, the measure of a responsible member country in the international community is its willingness to share the burden of international and regional security. Singapore is physically small, and a "little red dot" as we are called. But since Independence, we have been consistent in our efforts to do what is in our interests as well as within our means to collaborate on security and humanitarian initiatives sanctioned by the United Nations (UN). Last year was singular in the number of terrorist, epidemic and climate issues that confronted the world.

What impact do these have on the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)'s role? Can MINDEF provide an update on its contributions to international and regional security, for instance, fighting the ISIS threat, countering piracy in regional waters and providing disaster relief?

Military Diplomacy

Mr Low Thia Khiang (Aljunied) : Madam, despite long-running talks about implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and even an agreement over a Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, there remains no binding arrangement to manage and reduce friction in East Asia's maritime domain. In fact, there seems to be

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persistent friction over the South China Sea.

The issues have the potential to affect regional stability and Singapore's continued prosperity. Singapore needs to navigate carefully among the different positions of the US, China and our neighbours. MINDEF's defence diplomacy and outward engagement in conjunction with other agencies can have important consequences for Singapore's national security and interests.

I would like to better understand how MINDEF's current and planned defence diplomacy efforts could bring concrete benefits to Singapore's national security.

The Defence Minister spoke about the need to tackle the hard security challenges and to deliver concrete outcomes at last year's Shangri-La Dialogue. There, he also discussed the ASEAN Defence Ministerial Meeting-Plus framework, and further highlighted a Bruneian plan for a government-to-government hotline and a Vietnamese proposal for a "no first use of force" agreement. Would the Minister provide an update on these proposals, how they concretely aid our national security, and how the Government has responded?

Beyond these proposals, what other initiatives is MINDEF currently undertaking? How does MINDEF intend to reduce uncertainties, enhance understanding and improve coordination in the region and beyond through defence diplomacy, apart from conferences and meetings?

Fight against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)

Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied) : In November last year, the Minister announced that MINDEF would be joining a US-led coalition against ISIS by contributing a KC-135 Aerial Refuelling tanker, and an imagery analysis team to the war effort. The Minister clarified earlier this year that SAF has sent a needs assessment and survey team and a liaison officer to facilitate planning and coordination between SAF and coalition forces.

In view of the evolving nature of the threat, I would like to ask the Minister whether Singapore will seek to contribute to this international effort in areas where it has specific value-add capabilities. For example, we have religious rehabilitation as a more unique contribution, apart from hardware and analytical capabilities that can also be contributed by other allies.

Secondly, I would like to enquire how MINDEF plans to manage the prospect of Mission Creep, leading SAF to commit more in-theatre forces in the fight against ISIS, than is the case

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currently.

Finally, I would like to find out what the Ministry is doing to work with our immediate ASEAN neighbours to develop an ASEAN response to the ISIS threat, thereby promoting confidence building and military-to-military cooperation between our neighbours with the attendant benefit of a more united and safer ASEAN, in addition to the promotion of greater security integration between ASEAN member states, particularly, our closest neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Defence Spending

Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade) : Madam, our defence budget for FY2014/2015 hit a record high of $12.56 billion. This marked an increase of 3.2% from 2013. Arms spending alone was $12.2 billion last year, compared to $8.6 billion in 2004.

Our defence expenditure has increased steadily by about 4% a year since 2008. The steady spending on our defence is necessary for our national security, which is becoming ever more important. Terrorism has become a very real issue, and tensions between countries all over remain a concern. Besides continuing to maintain good ties with countries, Singapore needs to continue building up its own defence capability and security in order to deter would-be aggressors.

Looking across the Causeway, our neighbour, Malaysia, had recently announced that their National Service programme for 2015 would be suspended as part of measures to cut costs. While our budget for MINDEF has sometimes come under criticism, not spending enough on our national defence and, hence, compromising our national security is unthinkable.

While Singapore may have the highest defence spending in Southeast Asia, other countries in the region of Asia have also increased their defence spending and any cut-down on Singapore's spending seems likely to have implications.

Madam, I understand that our defence expenditure includes investments in human capital, operating and development expenditure, and investments in new capabilities. Could MINDEF provide an overview of how spending is allocated across these three areas?

I have spoken in my main speech about MINDEF being a crucial public space in Singapore. Can the Minister tell me if MINDEF has a way of tracking the social capital it has built up over the years? And if not, can it explore a way of doing so? I am always amazed at the reunions – involving the boys – that old school alumni have. Can MINDEF consider also

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providing support for such efforts and perhaps have them in camps? I think this would bring communities together and that is another way we can build a closer and more inclusive society.

Optimising Resources and Productivity

Dr Lim Wee Kiak : Madam, MINDEF has been allocated the largest amount of expenditure for this year's Budget. And MINDEF is also the custodian of the largest amount of public land and public sector manpower. I believe the Ministry would have mapped out plans and strategies for the utilisation of these resources given to the Ministry.

I would like to ask what MINDEF is doing to ensure that these resources, both fiscal and manpower, are adequately and properly deployed. Can the Minister share with the House what is in the pipeline for the next five years?

MINDEF has always taken innovation and productivity seriously. In the past years, the Ministry has received regular recognition for cost-saving solutions and innovative ideas, and I congratulate the staff for these achievements. I would like to ask if the Minister can share some of the recent productivity measures that MINDEF is exploring and how successful these measures are.

Defence Expenditure and Savings

Mr Pritam Singh : The Minister for Defence has previously stated in Parliament that in the coming years, the rise in MINDEF's expenditure will largely correspond with the rise in inflation. This year, however, MINDEF's budget for FY2015/2016 is 5.7% higher than the year before.

I recall the presentation at the COS last year by the Defence Minister on the likely shape of the SAF in 2030 with larger capacity Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs), next generation fighter aircraft and the intention to transfer more of the Army's traditional fighting units into mobile platforms as possible changes to the order of battle of the SAF.

5.00 pm

Is the increase in this year's defence budget attributable to platforms that MINDEF intends to purchase in the years to come and, if not, how does the Ministry account for the rise in expenditure from the past year?

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Secondly, in view of maintaining fiscal prudence at the national level, would MINDEF consider including more cost-saving measures as a key criterion for defence purchases, as exemplified by the announcement of the induction of the Aerostar, which was widely reported in the local media to have reduced MINDEF's operating expenditure footprint for the task at hand by 29%.

Finally, I would like to enquire about MINDEF's plans to operationalise the suggestion, most recently made by Malaysia as the current Chair of ASEAN, for the establishment of an ASEAN Peacekeeping Force. What is the current thinking of MINDEF about this idea?

The Chairman : Mr Alvin Yeo not in the Chamber, Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef.

The Transformation of SAF

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade) : Madam, the SAF commenced its 3rd Generation Transformation in the early 2000s to ensure that it will remain a highly capable, relevant and respected defence force. The changes have been progressive and positive, preparing the force to handle challenges and eventualities in today's ever-changing climate, which remains volatile and fluid, day by day and month by month.

The developments have been in both the areas of hardware and also software, which definitely have to go hand in hand in any transformation process.

Besides investments in technology, machinery, weaponry, IT and also transportation, the training, growth and development of the personnel and also recognition are important.

Challenges of the future, such as our rapidly decreasing birth rate and ageing population as well as handling of emerging security threats will have to be dealt with as well. As we mark SAF's 50th year and move into the future, can the Minister provide an update on SAF's transformation plans to ensure that we continue to be an effective fighting force capable of handling any threats to our little red dot?

Mdm Speaker : Minister for Defence.

The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen) : Mdm Chair, first, let me thank Members for their useful questions and enlightened comments, many of which I share. This is a special year because as many Members have said, 2015 is the Golden Jubilee of our Independence as well as 50 years of SAF since its inception. As many Members of this House have pointed out, it is an appropriate occasion for us to look back, examine our roots and collectively see

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what we have achieved and, more importantly, also look forward.

And if you look at our founding generation and what they went through, they went through three, I would say, bitter periods. First, was the British surrender of Singapore to the Japanese and the subsequent occupation; then, Konfontasi; and then, the fight against the communists. Just one challenge would have been severe but we have Pioneers who went through all three. For this reason, the bitter lessons that they learnt, forged in them an epiphany and the fierce determination that only with a strong defence could Singapore safeguard its sovereignty because, without this strong defence, Singaporeans would never be able to chart our own destiny.

As a small country with limited manpower, I believe that most Singaporeans today understand that this strong defence can only be built up and maintained with a strong and heavy commitment of financial resources and, above all, the efforts and sacrifices of our National Servicemen.

We have said it time and again, but it bears repeating: if Singaporeans cannot or do not defend Singapore, no one else would. And in this, our Golden Jubilee year, I am sure that I speak on behalf of all the Members in this House to affirm our strong and continued commitment to defend our country.

Today, Singaporeans can have the quiet confidence that after many decades of steady investment into our defence capabilities, SAF is a strong and capable military, able to protect our interests and borders. Beyond SAF and our NSmen, the message of Total Defence, that we are as strong as we are united, has also taken root in the community.

Many Members – Mr Sitoh, Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Assoc Prof Fatimah and Mr Pritam Singh – have asked how the SAF stands today and what it will be like in the future.

First, how does the SAF stand today. I think we can be confident objectively because we have consistently benchmarked the SAF with militaries from other advanced countries. We test our systems through realistic training and real operations. We have conducted four Exercise Forging Sabres in the United States in the last decade. And every year, we go to Australia to conduct Exercise Wallaby since the year 2000. There, we put our soldiers and platforms through rigorous and realistic test scenarios, including our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and F-15 and F-16 fighters, Apache helicopters, high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) and naval ships. The exercise scenarios are complex. They require high levels of integration in every exercise. I am happy to report that after each exercise, our overall systems are validated and we learn important lessons to bridge the gap.

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When I say that our overall systems are validated, it tells us that our command and control systems are responsive and coherent. We can close the loop on what we see and how we want to effect a response.

Beyond exercises, the SAF has also actively contributed to missions that have strengthened international peace and security as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). Mr Sitoh Yih Pin spoke about this.

We had some 15,000 Servicemen who were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for 10 years, between 2003 and 2013. They were there a long time as part of the multi-national stabilisation reconstruction efforts. We have also deployed Servicemen to the Gulf of Eden to support counter-piracy efforts since 2009 and commanded three times the combined task force. Recently, SAF ships and aircraft were deployed for the AirAsia crash and there the SAF men on board the MV Swift Rescue located the fuselage. The Army was also deployed in Kelantan and, with water purification teams, they supplied potable water for Malaysian flood victims.

Whether it was for exercises or real operations, they validate our readiness and professionalism and they provide invaluable experience to our Servicemen and also enhance our ability to operate with our key partners. Through both of these exercises and real operations, the SAF has shown that it can move decisively as one integrated professional force and succeed in the mission and tasks assigned.

Members here have asked for an update on what else we are doing for the SAF. Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about this for the next five years. We will continue upgrading the SAF's capabilities at a steady pace. From next year, the Navy will start replacing its patrol vessels with new littoral mission vessels. Similarly, the Army will use new Protected Response Vehicles. This is in place of the V200. Some older NSmen here would have used it. Others would not know what I am talking about, but the V200s are quite ancient, and so we will use the new Protected Response Vehicles.

Our Super Puma helicopters – Members of this house will be more familiar with those – have been in service for almost 30 years. They need replacements and we will carry this out over the next decade.

Beyond upgrading specific platforms, as Mr Pritam Singh mentioned, SAF needs to remake itself in response to a changing landscape from new security threats. This was eloquently put by Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef. Looking ahead, in our Golden Jubilee year for SAF50, what do we expect the SAF to be able to respond to, what is its core mission, how does it shape itself to respond to threats that threaten Singapore and Singaporeans? We

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may compartmentalise, but threats that threaten Singapore and Singaporeans do not come with necessary clear labels. That is the core question we have to ask.

Externally, the SAF has to contend with cyber threats and the growing use of disinformation in warfare. And the landscape is emerging. In the recent UNIX Security Conference, which I attended last month, there were many sessions on "hybrid warfare", which integrates the use of conventional and unconventional tools of warfare by state and non-state actors.

What is hybrid warfare? It is a "sexy" term, but what is it? Singaporeans can understand it easily, because it is the exact antagonist of Total Defence which we started some decades ago. Hybrid warfare is an orchestrated campaign to fracture the solidarity of the target nation through undermining its defences in civil, economic, social, psychological and military measures.

I want Members to listen to the chilling words of the Chief of General Staff of the Russian Federation General Valery Gerasimov: "The very rules of war have changed. The role of non-military means of achieving political and strategic goals has grown and, in many cases, they have exceeded the power of force of weapons in their effectiveness."

Non-military means have exceeded the power of force of weapons. He continues, "The focus of applied methods of conflict has altered in the direction of the broad use of political, economic, informational, humanitarian and other non-military measures, applied in coordination with the protest potential of the population."

He continues, "All this is supplemented by military means of a concealed character, including carrying out actions of informational conflict and the actions of special operations forces. The open use of forces, often under the guise of peace-keeping and crisis regulation, is resorted to only at a certain stage, primarily for the achievement of final success in the conflict."

Clinical but chilling. Why? Because this textbook description of hybrid warfare was played out with orchestral precision in the annexation of Crimea and the recent unrest in Ukraine, where subversion and subterfuge were conducted through flesh and blood provocateurs as well as through disinformation on social media to cause disunity and dissent among the target populations, before military force was applied.

There is another example of hybrid warfare. This is the radicalising effect of Al Qaeda and then ISIS. Some Members have asked about ISIS and how we respond to it. But it is

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another facet of hybrid warfare, if you look at it closely. And this time, by non-state actors.

Tens of thousands of foreign fighters have been radicalised by ISIS' false ideology and have headed for Iraq and Syria. They may carry out violent attacks when they return to their home countries.

The examples of Ukraine and ISIS have added urgency to many countries in studying their defences against such campaigns of hybrid warfare orchestrated by external adversaries. So, challenges, as we see them, are not neatly compartmentalised as we say. I understand Mr Pritam Singh's point when he asked, "What is our core mission? When do you know it is mission creep?"

It is a difficult question. But at the centre of it, if it threatens Singapore and Singaporeans, even if it comes in uncommon or unconfined labels, we will have to respond to it.

5.15 pm

The concept of hybrid warfare is as old as war itself and that is why we launched Total Defence in 1984. What is new is the amplification of disinformation due to social media. No country, including Singapore, is immune to disinformation war and SAF will have to raise capabilities to detect and counteract such threats in the cyber and infomation domains.

Beyond hybrid warfare, the unrest in Ukraine and its impact on the rest of Europe hold other salutary lessons for Singapore. Let me describe to you what was last year's mood at the Munich Security Conference. This was in 2014. Last year's conference was centred on peace after War World II, 70 years of peace. There was an air of celebration, and rightly so. The Cold War had ended. Russia was integrated into Europe and the global economy. The European Union (EU) had expanded and more states were joining in, not only to the EU but even asking to join NATO. There were even questions asked about the relevance of NATO. So, there was an air of festivity, actually, last year.

Indeed, for the last decade, many countries in Europe had reduced defence spending to "reap the peace dividends". Some had even scrapped or suspended military conscription, their version of national service. Then in March last year, just two months after the Munich Security Conference, the unimaginable occurred – Crimea was annexed. Alleged rebels attacked and seized key buildings and military bases in key cities in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, and these rebels include "little green men", masked unidentified soldiers armed with Russian equipment. At the same time, Russia assembled a sizeable force at the Ukrainian border, which senior Ukrainian officials estimated to comprise over 80,000 troops

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and 270 tanks, amassed at the border.

Decades-old formale treaties and pledges were broken, basically torn up, not worth the paper they were printed on. Fundamental assumptions about peace in Europe were overturned. And this year's Munich Security Conference, when I read it, there was a phrase that was declared deafeningly "Peace in Europe is broken"; all within the span of one year. The impact on small states in Europe is even more ominous and threatening.

A recent Financial Times article last month, on 25 February, was headlined "Russia fears lead Lithuania to reinstate military draft". The small Baltic states, of which Lithuania is one of them, are the closest geographically to Russia. The article continued, "Lithuania is reinstating military conscription in a dramatic move that underscores the anxiety among the Baltic states about Russia's intentions".

These states are concerned that what happened to Crimea will occur to them and they are no longer confident about their future. Lithuania had, in fact, just suspended their form of national service only in 2009; that is, six years ago, because it assumed that the neighbourhood was safe. Now, Lithuania is frantically trying to raise a bigger army. Earlier this year, the Lithuanian government issued an instruction manual to schools and the general public on what to do in case of an invasion. The Baltic states are scared stiff that what happened in Crimea and Ukraine could also happen to them. Lithuania is not very big – three million people but much larger than us.

Singapore, like the Baltic states, is a small country. I think we do well to heed the cautionary tales from their experience. Never take our peace for granted. It can only be purchased through the collective commitment of our NSmen and all Singaporeans. Never weaken the strong defence that we have built up over the years through neglect or complacency. The time to build up a strong defence is during peace. A strong deterrence is Singapore's best defence. All these you have heard and time and time again.

When danger is upon you, as it is precipitously for the Baltic states, it will be too little and too late to build up a defence. And contrary to expectations that peace and stability that one enjoys today will last, things can go wrong very quickly. As I said, in one year, the mood is completely reversed.

As long as we have the support of the Government and our people, the SAF will discharge its responsibilities fully to protect our home and its people. The SAF will be very clear-eyed about our potential threats and challenges. We do not assume any neat packages and we are remaking ourselves to be more effective in the future. Some Members mentioned Singapore's demographic trends, Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef, in particular, over

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the long term. Yes, the SAF will have to operate with a leaner manpower pool without any loss of effectiveness. Whether it is measured by the ability to manoeuvre, fire-power, new capabilities, the restructured SAF, even though it is leaner, will be more potent and versatile. And we have been able to do this because we have used advanced technologies.

We talked about productivity and defence spending. When it comes to productivity, I will tell you that the SAF feels it the most acutely, not only because we want to, but this is the reality that we face with a shrinking NS pool. It is forced upon us. Our manpower supply is not as elastic as the civilian side of the house. So, each time a new platform is planned, in fact, one of the key questions is: how can I do it with fewer people and, if not as effective, more effective?

For example, our unmanned aerial vehicle systems can already stay airborne for more than 24 hours. On land, the army uses robots to defuse explosives in some situations. It is also studying the use of more unmanned ground vehicles to conduct security patrols, for example. Out at sea, unmanned surface vessels may, in the future, patrol our congested waterways. If we can do it without manned ships, why not? These advanced technologies have greater precision, endurance and use less manpower and allow us to remain potent with a leaner force.

The SAF will further leverage new technologies to respond to security challenges, whether it is external, internal, whether they come in neat packages or are amorphous. New units for cyber defence are being raised. Better capabilities using infocomm technology, robotics and artificial intelligence are in the pipeline for testing and integration into the existing systems.

But even with the most advanced technologies and equipment, we constantly remind ourselves that our people remain our greatest and indispensable asset. It is. And many Members of this House have said so and I agree with you that our people are, ultimately, what makes the difference – the strong fighting spirit of our soldiers, airmen and the sailors as well as the quality of leadership that will allow the SAF, as Mr Sitoh rightly pointed out, to deter aggression and, when that fails, prevail over potential aggressors.

We must continue to sustain this strength into the future. We cannot build an effective force without capable and committed Servicemen, particularly NSmen, who form the bulk of the SAF's fighting force. We are implementing the recommendations by the Committee to Strengthen National Service. Second Minister Chan Chun Sing will elaborate on this but just let me highlight two significant proposals that are progressing well.

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First, we said that we will reduce the waiting times for NS enlistment to not more than six months after the completion of their post-secondary education, and we are on track.

Second, the SAF Volunteer Corps has attracted many responses and we are on track to take in this inaugural batch this year.

While NSmen form the backbone of the SAF, we need to ensure that we have adequate SAF regulars to train units and build capabilities. I announced during the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) that we are stepping up recruitment for more trainers and, again, we are on track to double the number of regular trainers at the Basic Military Training Centre from the middle of this year. The SAF is also recruiting more women as regulars, as more opportunities open up in different vocations because we use advanced platforms.

A number of Members here have asked questions on defence spending – Mr Seah Kian Peng, Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Mr Pritam Singh. They are very observant and they have asked whether we have noticed that defence spending in Southeast Asia has gone up. Indeed, it has. Southeast Asia's defence spending has increased, as a block, by about 150% in nominal terms over the last decade. It translates to an annual growth rate of about 11%. China's defence spending has more than quadrupled over the same period.

Defence spending in Asia, as a whole, has continued to rise. We are monitoring this trend closely. We are not responding to it in sharp rises because, as we have often said, we want to avoid sharp increases or dips in our defence spending. Despite this general trend, our approach is still to plan long term, maintain our defence expenditure steadily. As Members have said, over the last decade, our defence expenditure has grown by 4% nominally, on average, and more or less kept pace with inflation.

Mr Pritam Singh asked why this year it has jumped by 5.7%. I will respond to that by sharing that when we plan, we plan over a longer-term horizon, not year on year, but over a five- to-10-year period. It allows us to make sure that you do not adjust suddenly, whether it is manpower training or platform acquisition. It is actually also productive. By that, I mean that because you plan over a longer-time horizon, it allows you very smart opportunity buys. We do not buy a platform when it is just new. Even if we buy a new platform, we watch for it, when the price comes down, and before it is too few and production goes down and the price goes up again. It allows us to plan when to acquire.

I thank Members for reminding MINDEF that we need to be prudent in the use of our resources. We are aware that we spend the largest proportion as a single Ministry, and we will be prudent. The default for MINDEF and SAF is to upgrade existing platforms rather than

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buy new ones – that is a default – unless only new equipment provides clearly superior and needed capabilities.

Let me give an example. We recently upgraded our Mine Counter-Measure Vessels. We did not buy new ones, we upgraded them, because they are more productive and can integrate with unmanned water systems. As a result, the mines can be cleared up to five times faster.

Not only with financial resources, but I take the point from Members, including the point made by Dr Lim Wee Kiak, whether we have been prudent in our land use. We recognise that land in Singapore is precious and, therefore, we use technologies to intensify land use. Some Members may have visited but, if you have not, we would like to arrange a visit to the Multi-Mission Range Complex.

For some of the men in this House, you would remember the old SAF Training Institute had a number of ranges. It was flat, but what we did was we put them all together in high-rise and there are seven ranges in one. In the same space that is occupied by one, there are seven ranges. You would remember during your SAF days that you had to wait till night to do night shooting. Now we just switch off the lights and you can do the night shooting. Another example, and this is a big one, is the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) into an expanded Changi Air Base East and Tengah Air Base.

MINDEF and SAF proactively and carefully studied this option because we knew that land was precious. As a result, we will free up 800 hectares of land for alternative use and, beyond that, remove the height restrictions on developments around PLAB. We are very conscious and, where we can, we will intensify, relocate, and this includes training for SAF soldiers overseas. But – and it is an important "but" – I will tell Members of this House openly, there is a minimum required to house our defence assets, to train our soldiers in Singapore and to ensure the defence integrity of our defence capabilities.

Let me say that again – there is a minimum. It is not just, "You have so much, this is so much land, can you squeeze within a single plot?" Beneath a certain size, we lose the coherence of the defence system.

5.30 pm

I welcome the questions by Members on the external environment because, even as we focus on the SAF internally, we have to pay attention to our geopolitical environment and defence ties with other countries. Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Ms Ellen Lee, Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Low Thia Khiang talked about this. Mr Low asked, beyond the Shangri-La Dialogue and

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ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM), what is Singapore doing and how much more can Singapore do.

Sometimes, I wish that we could do more than we want. But we are a small country and we need to build strong partnerships to bring about a more secure regional environment. We never over-stretch our perception of our own size, potency or force. At the end of the day, we say it and say it time and again so that it becomes trite, but it is true – we never forget we are a small country, we are a red dot, a small one; we hope a shining red dot, but it is still a small one.

And so, we have to build strong partnerships and, in the 70 years after the end of World War II, the US' presence in Asia has promoted regional stability and prosperity. For this reason, that is why Singapore facilitates the US' presence here. We allow them to use PLAB and Changi Naval Base for transit. The second US Navy Littoral Combat Ship arrived in Singapore recently, rotating through its deployment.

In addition, our close relationship with the US affords us access to high-end defence systems, as well as the training space in the US. I talked about the high mobility artillery systems. Some Members who were previous artillery chaps would know how many men it needed to set up the artillery. It was a slog and you have to respond. About 12 men, they tell me. But now, the new systems, from the US, operate with three men in front of the truck – 70 kilometres, high precision, shoot and scoot.

Our defence relations with China are excellent and we acknowledge China's desire to play a peaceful and constructive role in this region. Reflecting this close relationship, Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan and I jointly issued a press release during my visit there in November last year to enhance our defence interactions and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Singapore-China diplomatic ties this year. We had joint exercises. It was quite a sight to see People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops on one side and SAF troops on the other charging up the hill, taking an objective together. The Chinese do some things quite in style. They have large operating training grounds where you can sit and see the mass. We do not have that; we do not have the space. It was a very good interaction.

We actively engage our closest neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia. We share many common interests to build understanding and mutual respect. The SAF was among the first to assist our neighbours in the search for MH370 and QZ8501, as well as provide assistance during the floods in Malaysia a few months ago. Our defence relations with both countries are strong and we frequently interact military to military.

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Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard chose Singapore as his first stop among ASEAN for his introductory visit in January. Recently, as Dr Lim Wee Kiak pointed out, I hosted Defence Minister for Malaysia Hishammuddin and we signed a Letter of Intent together. And we will do more with Indonesia and Malaysia – they are our closest neighbours. We will step up our coordinated naval patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia and other littoral states because there is piracy and sea robbery in our regional waters.

As Mr Low Thia Khiang said, the ADMM and the Shangri-La Dialogue are important platforms. They allow us space beyond which small countries find hard to give voice, to put things on the table, to ask questions that concern our collective security; and also, importantly, to encourage militaries from all these countries to build understanding. Without understanding, there can be miscalculations and misunderstandings.

I will tell Members that the militaries of Northeast Asian countries rarely speak to one another. They do not meet. That is not healthy; and can be actually very dangerous. And it is very dangerous. When Brunei hosted ADMM, we encouraged Brunei to hold 18-nation exercises, and we helped, supported and facilitated. Just imagine 4,000 troops from 18 countries, the Chinese sent their Peace Ark, the Indian sent their ships, Japan sent their ships; and they were deployed across -decks. Soldiers from different countries, including the US, went to one another's decks of ships, and exchanges built. At the very least, it built some understanding, even more than that, for some, it built trust. It reduces the risk of miscalculation.

It may not be headline-grabbing. We may not be able to issue headline news every time we meet, but that would be unrealistic. Defence diplomacy is slow; sometimes, it is laborious, just like most diplomacy. We should not mistake it to think that because we are just meeting and there are no "announceable" outcomes, that you are not being productive. Patience, slow cultivation provide us more space; it actually wins friends and builds that understanding.

It is important to reduce tensions in the South China Sea because it is in our backyard. In May next year, we expect ships, aircraft and personnel from ASEAN and our "plus" partners to participate in another major exercise on maritime security and counter-terrorism. We have something which is extra; we can get the militaries to exercise together. That is what we are trying to push. This practical cooperation is timely and relevant, especially in the face of increased terror threats from ISIS. Mr Pritam Singh asked if ASEAN can issue something in common – and he is right. It is very useful. This is what the Chairman, Malaysia, wants to do. Members would have read the newspapers and would know that Malaysians are in Iraq and Syria. Indonesia's Chief of Defence came to Singapore and he said that he was worried what the fighters would do when they come back to their homeland. It is a real and present threat. It is a core mission for our security forces.

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This is what we do at the Shangri-La Dialogue as well. Last year, we had 26 ministerial-level delegates and participants from 35 countries. We do not expect to have "announceables" and deliverables every year. But when they happen, it can be quite impactful. The combined patrols in the Straits of Malacca – a few years ago, the Straits of Malacca was put in the Lloyd's List's risk category equivalent to war-risk zones. Insurance premiums had gone up. You had to pay as if you had ships going through the same risk as in the war-risk zones. At that time, Prime Minister Najib was the Defence Minister and he mooted this idea in the Shangri-La Dialogue of combined maritime-air patrols, eyes in the skies, and, subsequently, joint Malacca Straits patrols in your own sovereign waters. It brought piracy down and Lloyd's delisted the area.

We will do more and play a constructive role in regional security as Members have asked us to. That is why we have set up the Information Fusion Centre and the Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centre – this is something that Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked. He asked if we could accelerate our defence diplomacy. I am happy to update that China, France, Thailand and Brunei have accredited liaison officers to this regional HADR Coordination Centre, while Australia and Laos have established operational linkages.

Madam, let me, finally, provide details on this year's National Day Parade (NDP). It is special but the NDP will also be very special. I know there will be questions asked later. Let me give Members some heads-up. It is a very significant year; in fact, our Golden Jubilee year. Looking back 50 years, Singapore has been blessed and we have much to celebrate together.

NDP 2015 will remember our historical roots; we will remember from whence we came. That is why we are doing it at the Padang. We will recount our collective achievements as a nation and look forward to a shared progressive future for all Singaporeans.

So, appropriately, the NDP will take place at the Padang. Why? Because that is where our first NDP in 1966 took place. Read Mr Lee's account of that particular parade in his memoirs, stirring account, of challenges, what happened. We were thinking, as you know, every year, we have an NDP theme. What would be an appropriate theme for our Golden Jubilee? We have thought hard, the Organising Committee, and when I read to you the theme, you would say it is a good choice. The theme is "Majulah Singapura" – Onward Singapore. It reprises the clarion call to all Singaporeans, a call made to all Singaporeans when we were a poor nation at Independence, beset on all sides – whether they were problems of inadequate jobs, housing, education, basic necessities of life.

Listen to our debates in Parliament now. As they say, they are good problems. Just imagine Parliament then at our Independence – problems aplenty, resources very little, if any. And that was the context in which Majulah Singapura was a rallying cry to all of us to move forward as one people to overcome our challenges and more, and we have succeeded.

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So, NDP will tell this story, as far as possible, to remind us from whence we came, to recognise the contributions of our Pioneer Generation and our leaders in nation-building.

There have been many calls – you can imagine the NDP Organising Committee gets many requests, suggestions and calls. One of them I feel particularly – it is important for us to try to accede to, to agree to – that is, to allow as many Singaporeans as possible to share in this historic 50th NDP, because the next Golden Jubilee will be 2065. So, this one, we really want to allow as many people as possible to share in that experience.

But you know the Padang, there is a limited number of people who can watch the show. But I am happy to announce that the NDP Organising Committee has changed the format somewhat so that as many people as possible can share in this moment on 9 August 2015. We want to make this Golden Jubilee Celebration special for as many Singaporeans as possible. What do I mean? With your permission, Mdm Chair, may I show you what I mean?

The Chairman : Yes, please. [ Slides were shown to Hon Members .]

Dr Ng Eng Hen : First of all, every Singaporean household, yes, I mean every Singaporean household, 1.2 million Singaporean households, whether in the HDB or private estate, will receive an NDP Funpack. So, even if they cannot come to the Padang or the areas around the Bay, which I will explain, they can watch at home, wave the same banner, slap the same clappers all over the island.

Second, we will open up discrete areas around the entire Marina Bay, so that more people can congregate and enjoy NDP15 in person. You look at the slide, you start at the Padang – its capacity is about 26,000. But we are opening up the floating platform where we had last year's NDP. That can hold 25,000. One Fullerton can hold about 10,000; the Promontory, 20,000; the MBS Event Plaza, 30,000; Gardens by the Bay, 40,000.

All in, we think the entire area can accommodate more than 150,000. And in some of these sites, we will place giant LED screens so that viewers can watch the show and all of them will be able to watch the aerial displays live and the fireworks. The fireworks for NDP 2015 will be largest ever, as well as the aerial display will the largest ever. I would not be a spoiler, but it will be spectacular.

There will be many sights to behold and for Singaporeans to remember. And where possible, the march-past, the contingents as well as the mobile column, will make their way to some of these locations around the Bay area.

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5.45 pm

The cost of the NDP at one site in previous years, which Members have asked about in this House, has been about $20 million. This includes the cost of logistics equipment for the rehearsals over a span of six to eight months: the four National Education (NE) shows, the preview shows and the actual show itself, which, in previous years, had about 5,500 participants and 25,000 onsite. The scale, of course, in NDP 2015 is much larger; many more folds than in previous years. There will be 7,000 participants, twice as many ticketed spectators; there will be the large crowds around the Bay and thousands of Singaporeans are expected to join in not only at Marina Bay but TV viewers – an estimated two million TV viewers at home. The cost of the NDP 2015 at the Padang alone is about the same as in previous years. But because of these additional sites, new facilities, it will increase the total cost of the NDP in our Golden Jubilee Year to about twice that of previous NDPs. So, it is about twice. In addition, the 1.2 million fun packs will cost an additional $10 million, part of which will be supported by corporate sponsors.

We are planning an NDP that allows all Singaporeans to celebrate together. But let me touch on two important points before the facilities overwhelm us.

First and foremost is safety. With large crowds expected, I would like everyone at the NDP to pay attention to their personal safety and that of others around them. We are working with the Ministry of Home Affairs, but we need members of the public to take personal responsibility, too. If everyone follows instructions, the risk of mishaps will be reduced.

Second, civility and cleanliness. Even as we celebrate NDP this year, even as we do it as one people to reflect on how much we have achieved together, we certainly do not want to diminish this by finding on the next day the whole of Marina Bay area littered. It will be a sad testimony to us as a people if you cannot even clean up after yourself. Organisers will provide more rubbish points, but I am flagging this out now, safety and cleanliness, so that it can enter our collective consciousness and aspirations for National Day.

Mdm Chair, with the strong commitment of NSmen and their families, employers and the community, the SAF will continue to safeguard Singapore's Independence and sovereignty on this SAF50 and our Golden Jubilee. We will do it so that our future generations may also enjoy the peace and security that we enjoy today.

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NSmen Operational Readiness and Safety

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar (Ang Mo Kio) : Madam, our NSmen take their role in serving the nation and in remaining operationally-ready seriously and with pride. They have done well and contributed with all their hearts and minds. These include our Malay soldiers who have achieved honours and recognition in the SAF based on their own merits and abilities. They have been deployed to various vocations and units within the SAF and have done well.

The extensive deployment of our Malay soldiers in the SAF is, in part, due to the continuous effort of the Malay PAP Members of Parliament in engaging the community and the Government. I am glad the Government and the SAF have taken much of the feedback from the Malay PAP Members of Parliament and made positive changes over the years. I am confident that we will continue to forge ahead and progress in this regard as our NSmen and soldiers ready themselves operationally to defend Singapore.

[The Deputy Speaker ( Charles Chong) in the Chair]

The implementation of the new three-station Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) has generated interest in the physical fitness of our NSmen which remain critical for the SAF's operational readiness and effectiveness.

Would MINDEF be able to update how it is helping in ensuring our NSmen remain physically fit and operationally ready? In addition, the safety of our NSmen remains a concern, especially among parents, even though MINDEF has taken steps to improve SAF's safety systems and make them more robust. Can MINDEF provide an update on its efforts to strengthen training and operational safety?

SAF Volunteer Corps

Mr Alex Yam (Chua Chu Kang) : Dr Goh Keng Swee said in 1976 that, "The security of every society must always depend, more or less, upon the martial spirit of the great body of the people."

Our SAF is the representation of that martial spirit of our people. For the last 50 years, it has been a bulwark against aggression from external parties. While challenges have evolved, our need for defence is perhaps even stronger today than ever before due to the now asymmetrical threats.

Our demographic challenge weighs heavy on us as we seek to maintain a well-disciplined effective armed forces. It is with this that I firmly welcome the introduction of the SAF Volunteer Corps. I have asked for a number of updates in 2014 and welcome the

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progress made with the launch of the SAFVC applications in October 2014.

SAFVC provides opportunities for the broader Singapore community to make their contributions to defence. Colonel Mike Tan, Commander SAF VC, in his invitation to volunteers, said that many work tirelessly to ensure the peace and security of Singapore, calling it "a noble and onerous duty".

Therefore, I seek the Ministry's update on the progress made in the recruitment of volunteers, the profiles and eligibility of those who have volunteered, as well as how training will be conducted. Have there been any challenges in the process and what safeguards are there to ensure that safety and security are not compromised?

Mr Low Thia Khiang (Aljunied) : Sir, the application for SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) opened on 13 October 2014. I would like to ask the Minister for an update on the number of applications received and accepted so far, and the estimated expenditure for SAFVC in its first year of operation.

I would also like to know whether deploying volunteers alongside our NSF, NSmen and regulars pose security risks for SAF. Will the security vetting be sufficiently thorough, especially with regard to the period of time when the applicants were residing outside Singapore?

Volunteers need only to do two weeks of BMT, seven days' qualification course training and are liable to be called up for seven days a year. Will the reduced training time be sufficient? Will it cause grievance for our NSmen? For example, the length of training that is required for a security trooper should be the same, regardless of whether it is performed by a volunteer or an NSmen. Otherwise, our NSmen will wonder why they need to spend more time training for the same role or whether every part of the training is really necessary.

The issue of equity in treatment between volunteers and NSmen is especially important. Volunteers are subject to a different rank structure, and how they are treated in camp must commensurate with their training and experience. Our NSmen are not going to take lightly to a volunteer "legal specialist staff" being treated in camp as if he is a fully-trained SAF officer or a "medical trainer" who has not gone through the usual Medical Officers' Course being treated like any other MO (Medical Officer) in camp.

If the Government sees SAFVC as a way of getting first-generation Permanent Residents (PRs) and citizens to play a part in the military defence of Singapore, it is important that the Government pays attention to these issues.

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New Developments for ACCORD

Mr Ong Teng Koon (Sembawang) : Sir, through an Act of Parliament in 1967, Singapore's Defence Force, consisting of conscripts, was born and organised not without difficulty. The National Service Act requires that all able-bodied and healthy men at the age of 18 are to undergo two years of military life. There was initial resistance from the community. Understandably so, because it essentially meant taking male children away from parents for two years and subjecting them to the unknown perils of military life.

This illustrates the importance of support from the community for the country to organise a standing army. The need for community support and understanding becomes even more critical when our men graduate from full-time National Service training to reservist training. Calling on them and drawing them away from civilian life means disrupting their professional careers and affecting their employers' wherewithal.

The Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) was established by MINDEF in 1984 as a channel for the community to provide feedback on issues concerning Singapore's defence. Members of ACCORD have played a significant part in building public acceptance and support for Singapore's security and defence needs over the years.

Although ACCORD has been a useful channel of feedback for MINDEF and on the SAF's policies and programmes, Second Minister for Defence Mr Chan's announcement at COS 2014 on plans to restructure ACCORD to strengthen community support for NS was both timely and a positive step forward, even as support for NS remains high.

Commitment to defence and support for NS from the larger Singaporean community have to be continually reinforced and strengthened, especially in times of peace. It would be too late to only do so in times of crisis.

The restructured ACCORD, with its three Councils, is aimed at strengthening engagement with stakeholders from businesses, educational institutions, families and communities on the importance of defence and the need for NS.

Can MINDEF provide an update on the restructured ACCORD and the progress made over the past year? In particular, can MINDEF provide an update on the work of the various Councils under the newly restructured ACCORD? How are these Councils intending to reach out to stakeholders, such as employers, schools and families?

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Commitment to Defence

Mr Alex Yam : Mr Chairman, "The most dependable guarantee of our Independence is a strong SAF. A strong SAF, in turn, depends on the political will to make the effort and pay the price." These are the words of the Father of SAF, the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, in 1984.

Since the formation of the SAF 50 years ago, the defence of Singapore continues to be dependent on the will of Singaporeans to support the policy of having a strong armed forces and taking personal responsibility to be involved in our defence.

The global and local landscape is changing. Our challenges are evolving, too. External challenges have moved on from conventional warfare to asymmetrical threats. Internal challenges have also emerged, key of which is demographic changes in Singapore, a shrinking population and, thus, a shrinking base from which our armed forces can call upon.

The world view of Singaporeans has changed as well. To many, dangers to our sovereignty are less apparent today than in the past. Support for National Service, that rite of passage for Singaporean men, remains high, but we must guard against complacency.

We need to recommit ourselves to the defence of our country, to return to the spirit of our early Independence. We are a country lacking in a real tradition of soldiering and seafaring. Therefore, much more effort is required to re-emphasise the importance of the SAF to Singapore's long-term future.

In the words of Mr Lee Kuan Yew: "Without a strong SAF, there is no economic future, there is no security."

How will the Ministry ensure continued commitment by Singaporeans to defence? What is the Ministry's reading of the long-term prospects? I, therefore, urge the Ministry to fully engage Singaporeans at this important milestone of SG50 and SAF50. There will be challenges but, as we have seen in our history, we can surmount them and come out stronger.

Fair and Equal Deployment

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied) : During last year's COS debate, I had requested the expeditious resolution of the issue of the loyalty of Singaporean Malays. The request was made based on the Suara Musyawarah Report. I would like to highlight one of the practices that may have inadvertently given rise to the unhealthy perceptions about the loyalty of Singaporean Malays.

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During a recent forum attended by the Minister for Defence, it was reported in The Straits Times that the Minister had been asked a question on perceived bias against Malays

in the SAF and the exclusion of Malays from the Navy. In his response to the question, the Minister had said that there was a practical issue of having halal-certified kitchens on board Navy ships.

It is truly disheartening to find out from the Minister's response that Singaporean Malays had, indeed, been excluded from Navy ships all this while. It is also very disappointing to find out that the exclusion of Singaporean Malays from Navy ships is a result of a practical issue. But what is most worrying is that the practice of excluding Singaporean Malays from Navy ships may be wrongly perceived by Singaporeans as evidence that there is bias against Malays in SAF and that there is an issue over the loyalty of Singaporean Malays to this nation.

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It was also reported that the Minister had said that provisions have been made to allow Singaporean Malays to serve onboard Navy ships if they are willing to do so. This is definitely a most welcome change and I applaud MINDEF for taking a step towards a more inclusive SAF. I urge the Minister to seriously consider the possibility of ensuring that all Navy ships are equipped with halal-certified kitchens so that Malays will be allowed to serve freely in the Navy without any constraints. I urge the Minister not to stop there, but also to work towards making the entire SAF an inclusive and open organisation that is fair and just to all Singaporeans regardless of race, language and religion.

My final point is with regard to what the Minister had said during the forum about sensitive positions in the military. The Minister was reported to have said that a person is deployed in a sensitive unit in SAF based on his or her ability and beliefs, and not on his race. Again, I applaud the Minister and MINDEF for their laudable efforts to make SAF an inclusive and open organisation that is fair and just to all Singaporean service persons. However, I note that the Minister advised caution over the fact that "people can be blackmailed". While I agree with the Minister that we have to ensure that the people who are placed in sensitive positions in the military do not compromise our national security, I would like the Minister to clarify what kind of people does he have in mind and how can they be blackmailed?

SAF Pioneers

Mr Alex Yam : Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the 2012 Temasek Society dialogue said, "The SAF has done better than I hoped. That was because the generation that grew up, knew the stakes that were involved."

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As the Minister has mentioned, 2015 is significant for two reasons: it is our nation's Golden Jubilee and also the 50th anniversary of the SAF. In 1965, we had the small luxury of still having the British forces stationed in Singapore. But with their accelerated pull-out in 1971, that meant that our early SAF pioneers had to build up a credible defence force in double quick time.

I attended the launch of the SAF50@Vivo with members of the SAF Veterans' League. It was a humbling moment to be in the midst of men like CPT (Ret) Shamsudin bin Shadan, an old friend who, despite his now mellowed years, still displays the tenacity and iron will of the strict Regimental Sergeant Major that he was in 1966.

I welcome and fully support the role of our SAF veterans and pioneers in educating and guiding the next generation of pioneers for SAF. I also look forward to more in SAF50 to commemorate this significant milestone. But more importantly, I hope that we can do more to recognise and honour our pioneers. Some of those who were in the earliest batches of SAF and National Service do not qualify for the Pioneer Generation Package. But serve they did. Would the Ministry consider any way to recognise these stalwarts similarly so that their sacrifices would not be forgotten?

National Day Parade

Ms Ellen Lee : Chairman, the annual National Day Parade (NDP) has been entrenched in the lives of Singaporeans as the signature event in the month of August, alongside other events to mark the nation's birthday. Participants feel the tug of patriotism in their hearts and revel in the uniquely Singaporean flavour of this visual and aural feast by cheering loudly and singing national songs.

Expectations run high this year because it is our 50th birthday and our people have confidence in MINDEF staging a parade that will be remembered for a long time. Minister has just given to us a glimpse of what to expect at the Padang this year. Can Minister give us more information on what else can we expect for the National Day Parade?

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong (Tampines) : Listening to the Minister's sneak preview of the NDP, it sounds exciting, but I hope it will not become a grand spectacle, a multimedia concert or just a TV extravaganza with bells and whistles. I feel that this NDP should be unique and special in another way. It should be a real experience for everyone there and everybody watching. It should stir our emotions, inspire our imagination.

Sir, Singapore held her first national day parade in 1966 at the Padang. Although still reeling from the trauma of Separation and anxious over the country's survival, our Pioneers managed to muster the courage and imagination to put up a parade with the theme:

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National Pride and Confidence in the Future. One of the highlights was the 19-minute march-pasts of 23,000 men, women and children. The march-pasts was held by six contingents of the volunteer force, People's Defence Force (PDF), which was just formed on 30 December 1965. The PDF, including its women's contingent, were on public parade for the first time. Also in the PDF's contingent were several Ministers and Members of Parliament, all wearing, for the first time, the uniforms of officer cadets.

Our founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, recorded in his memoirs: "They put up a brave show and were cheered enthusiastically by those behind the saluting guys and by the crowds lining the streets as they recognise their sun-tanned Ministers and MPs in uniform, eager in their stride if lacking in martial bearing."

In his aural history, Othman Wok, one of the Ministers who marched in that parade, revealed that it was Mr Lee who had gone around persuading the Ministers and Members of Parliaments to take part in the PDF contingent.

The NDP, held at a low point when the people's morale was sliding dangerously low, boosted their faith in the country and its leaders. At that time, Singapore had just two infantry regiments, both under Malaysian command, and no regular army of its own to speak of. Our Pioneer leaders sweated blood to build up SAF from scratch. How far we have come today. Our SAF has proven to be a strong and credible military force and the pride of our nation.

As we celebrate Singapore's 50th year of Independence this year, let us not forget our Pioneer Generation, especially our founding leaders, who have struggled against mighty odds to get us to this point. In the spirit of honouring our Pioneers, we should involve the PDF volunteers who marched in the first NDP if they are still with us and are able to come. We should invite them and give them their due spotlight in our Jubilee parade, now back at the Padang where it all began.

There is also an extra Pioneer leader, whom we must honour: our founding Premier, Lee Kuan Yew. It is also right that we, as a nation, pay him a special tribute in this year's NDP. Without his strong and visionary leadership, without his determination and gumption, Singapore would certainly not be where it is today, a country free and strong, as we often sing in our community song.

I fear that if we let this moment pass, we would become desensitised to the notion of sacrifice and service, and take the tears and sweat of those who have gone before us for granted. To pay tribute is to show the grateful heart of the nation. If there is time for a nation to make room for remembrance and sentimentality, it is this NDP. Even if Mr Lee may not

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want it or expect it, I feel it is important that we, as a nation, honour him during this special occasion.

I would like to ask the Minister whether he could consider making this a part of this year's NDP. I would also like to call for the new SAF Volunteer Corps, which is really a reincarnation of the PDF, to take part. It is to show a line of continuity between the Pioneer Generation and the new one and bridge the generation gap.

The Second Minister for Defence (Mr Chan Chun Sing) : Mr Chairman, the cornerstone of our defence is our commitment to defend what is ours. What we cannot defend and what we are not committed to defend will not be ours. This commitment depends not just on the generations of National Servicemen who have served in SAF. It also depends on all Singaporeans who may not directly serve in SAF. It further depends on all institutions and organisations in our society. To engender the commitment of our National Servicemen, we must train our Servicemen well, train them safely, be good stewards of their time and talents and, last but not least, to give due recognition to our National Servicemen where it is due.

Dr Intan asked about our fitness regime. Fitness is the basic building block of our National Servicemen's capabilities. We want our National Servicemen to be fit for their operational duties, for themselves, for their families and for the country. We have announced that, from 1 April 2015, the IPPT system will evolve to a three-station regime to make it easier to train and to encourage our NSmen to excel. Since last year, we have also provided our NSmen more time – 12 months – to train, prepare and meet their fitness requirements. We have since introduced "IPPT in the Park", to make it more convenient for our NSmen to access training. We have also trialled the use of iDAT and Fitbit for NSmen to take greater ownership of their own fitness training. We did all these to partner our NSmen in their fitness journey even as they meet their other family and economic responsibilities. All these measures will also complement the SAF's vocational fitness regime to prepare our NSmen and NSFs for their operational demands.

Dr Intan also asked for an update on our safety system. In the area of training safety, we have made various improvements to our training and medical systems to better take care of our National Servicemen. The SAF medical service is working closely with the National Health Systems to leverage each other's capabilities to care for all Servicemen and for all Singaporeans as a continual. For example, we recently opened the SAF Cardiac Fitness Centre and this is integrated with the National Heart Centre. Such collaboration would allow us to leverage each other's resources and benchmark the SAF's health and medical standards to the wider national system. From January 2015, the SAF has also put in place the Emergency Ambulance Service which works with private ambulance operators to allow serious casualties to be directly evacuated to hospitals while receiving treatment en route.

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At the tactical level, we have leveraged the soldier tracker system to keep track of our soldiers on difficult terrain and small unit operations. This system is not just operationally useful; it also provides greater confidence to our evacuation system. The SAF is also working behind the scenes to evolve our work-rest cycle to better manage physical demands on our soldiers. This will regulate their physiological strains while achieving optimal performance in their operational duties. To reduce heat injuries, heat stress monitors have also been introduced to closely monitor localised weather conditions.

To be good stewards of our National Servicemen's time and talents, and, as part of the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNC)'s recommendations, MINDEF and the Ministry of Home Affairs will be adjusting our pre-enlistment medical screening and administration schedule. Today, 45% of our pre-enlistees enlist within four months of graduation from their post-secondary education. In future, 90%, double what we have today, will enlist within four months; the rest will enlist within six months. This will impact more than 20,000 enlistees each year.

Let me now touch on time management. The learning style of our youths has changed. We must similarly evolve our training pedagogy. MINDEF will continue to widen the use of LEARNet to save an estimated 15% to 20% of training time to be reinvested into hands-on practice for our soldiers. We are also redesigning our training equipping system to allow our National Servicemen to focus more time on their training, rather than on administrative duties.

For example, we are currently building a new tactical engagement system equipping station that will come online this year. This new station will allow us to fully equip an infantry or armour battalion with the tactical engagement system for training within half a day, much less than the 24 hours required previously. For mobilisation and equipping, I have shared last year that what used to take 24 hours to equip a brigade size force will now take much less time than that. And the time saved can be used by the soldiers to conduct their refresher training as their commanders get their battle plans ready.

MINDEF also engenders commitment in our people by being good stewards of our Servicemen's talents and energies. SAF works on the principle of meritocracy, we deploy soldiers to vocations based on merit and that which best makes use of their capabilities, aptitude and commitment. It does not make sense for us to do otherwise because people are the most precious resource that we have.

MINDEF and MHA will continue to recognise our National Servicemen. The NS Recognition Award, or NSRA, will now evolve into the NS HOME Awards. "HOME" stands for

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"Housing", "Medical" and "Education".

Previously, a National Serviceman would receive $9,000 to $10,500 across the three milestones in his NS journey. Going forward, he will receive an additional $6,000 for MediSave grants. From September 2015 this year, we will advance part of this additional grant to help cover our NSmen's MediShield Life premiums while they are serving full-time National Service.

Since implementation in September 2014, more than 56,000 National Servicemen have benefited and about $270 million has been disbursed under this scheme.

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, Mr Low Thia Khiang and Mr Alex Yam asked about the Volunteer Corps. Mr Chairman, let me now touch on engendering the commitment of Singaporeans for those who do not directly serve in the SAF.

Actually, to be frank, all Singaporean families contribute to SAF directly and indirectly. Generations of parents, spouses, girlfriends who have encouraged and supported their sons, husbands and boyfriends in National Service have contributed directly and indirectly to our defence.

Come March, another group of people will demonstrate their commitment to our defence in a different way. They will form the SAF Volunteer Corps, or SAFVC, as we call them, continuing the proud tradition of the Singapore Volunteer Corps way before the SAF was even in existence.

The first intake of the SAF Volunteer Corps will begin training in March 2015, and it is this month. Since recruitment started last October, we have close to 900 applicants. We expect to take in 100 to 150 volunteers this year. They are a good mix of Singapore Citizens and first-generation Permanent Residents. They will also serve in a variety of roles alongside our National Servicemen. What they bring to the table is not just operational capabilities for the defence of this country. As importantly, if not more, they bring a new dimension of commitment to defence of our country. Through their actions, they have demonstrated their willingness to go the extra mile to defend what is ours.

In response to Mr Low Thia Khiang's question, different SAFVCs will have different capabilities and they will be matched according to their capabilities where their deployment is effective and safe. We will also security-clear all SAFVCs, as what we will do for all our National Servicemen. No difference.

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Mr Ong Teng Koon asked about ACCORD. Societal support forms the final pillar in our commitment to defence. Since last August, we have revamped ACCORD to form three Councils – the Employer and Business Council; the Family and Community Council and the Educational Institutions Council. This is to provide greater representation across different sectors in society and to tap their ideas and network to strengthen our commitment to defence.

Let me also at this juncture thank the three co-chairs – Mr Tony Chew, Ms Claire Chiang and Ms Indranee – and their many sub-committees who have worked very hard over the last few months to come up with the many recommendations that we have before us today. MINDEF has accepted all their recommendations for this year. We will progressively put in place the many good ideas that they have recommended.

Let me provide some updates on the Employer and Business Council while Minister of State Maliki will provide updates for the other two Councils subsequently.

The Employer and Business Council has recommended that we revamp the Total Defence Awards to recognise more people and organisations across different sectors who have contributed to the defence of Singapore. For example, instead of just recognising the employers and companies, we should also recognise the colleagues and immediate superiors who have been supportive and who have made a difference to the National Servicemen when they answer the call of duty.

Another example – we know that different industries and different sectors face different challenges in supporting the National Servicemen. Somebody in the trade sector will need quite different support from somebody in a factory. We also know that the challenges of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the big multinational corporations (MNCs) are quite different. Hence, we will work with the respective trade associations and business chambers to revamp their awards and to recognise more from the different sectors and different sizes of companies.

The Employer and Business Council also recognises that many skills – especially leadership, organisation and management skills – picked up by our NSmen are invaluable to their business operations. The performance of our NSmen in the SAF also provides valuable signals to the companies on the potential, the energies, the capabilities and the commitment of their employees. Hence, MINDEF and the employers have agreed to work together to let the employers better know the talent and attributes of our NSmen, who are their employees, so that they can better appreciate the talent of their employees – our NSmen – and better make use of those talents within their organisations.

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The Employer and Business Council has also recommended for MINDEF to work closer with the employers to keep them informed of their employees' upcoming in-camp training schedules. This will allow employers to better forecast their employees' work responsibilities to afford our NSmen peace of mind in preparing the discharge of their National Service duties.

The outreach done by the Employer and Business Council has also provided many employers fresh perspectives on the work of our National Servicemen. Many of them have given me positive feedback on what they have learnt about their employees – our NSmen – what they do in camp, the level of commitment that they demonstrate in their recall exercises and so forth. All these have generated a fresh sense of commitment towards our national defence because now our employers better understand how their employees – our Servicemen – work not just for their respective companies in peacetime, but also for the collective defence of our country, without which, their businesses would not be able to flourish.

Knowledge and understanding are the first steps in our societal support. We will continue to strengthen this partnership with the employers and businesses to provide the strongest support possible for our National Servicemen in the discharge of their duties to the nation.

Mr Chairman, the most powerful weapon of the SAF lies in the commitment of our people. I once met a young soldier from another country. His military did not have the advanced technology that we have. He knew that his military is not as capable as ours. But he looked me in the eye and told me that should anyone dare to come into his motherland uninvited and mean them harm, he will personally chase them out – even if he has only a bamboo spear in his hand. I respect this young soldier's spirit and determination. I think there is much that we can learn from this young soldier.

Yes, today, the SAF is a capable military and we can defend what is ours. But this capable military will come to naught if we do not have the gumption, will, determination or unity to defend what is ours.

On the other hand, if we can couple our advanced military capabilities with steely determination, if we can engender the commitment of our people, our entire society – our NSmen, all Singaporeans, businesses and social civic organisations – then I must say we have a formidable, if not invincible, defence machine.

Mr Chairman, let me now invite Minister of State Maliki to provide further updates on the work of ACCORD.

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The Minister of State for Defence (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) : Mr Chairman, ACCORD is an important platform that encourages ground-up initiatives to strengthen support for National Service. Minister Chan spoke about ACCORD and its renewed direction and structure to help deepen appreciation for our Servicemen. I co-chair the Family and Community (F&C) Council with the Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree, Ms Claire Chiang,

and the Educational Institutions (EI) Council with Senior Minister of State for Education Ms Indranee Rajah. Through these two Councils, we hope to reach out to schools and institutions of higher learning (IHLs) as well as strengthen family and community support for National Services. We have invited members of the community to serve on the Councils. Since being appointed, the members have worked very hard and have proposed many fruitful initiatives. Let me share a few of them.

The EI Council, for example, brings together members from educational institutions and other stakeholders to look at ways to strengthen support for National Service. For example, currently, NSmen can enrol for special enrichment and refresher modules before the start of their university studies. These programmes help ease NSmen's transition back to university, especially if they are embarking on a new course of study, and may also contribute to their university credits. The Council will explore how these existing modules can be enhanced to better meet the learning needs of the students and explore other efforts which could support our NSmen.

The members of the F&C Council have also engaged our communities to develop good ideas to strengthen support for NS and defence. Every year, during SAF Day, we receive strong support from merchants and businesses who provide discounts to our Servicemen and Servicewomen. Last year, a total of 151 retailers, in sectors ranging from fashion to food and beverages to electronics, came on board to show their appreciation to the SAF by offering discounts and deals. This was a strong show of support from our community. We want to encourage more visible and sustained ground-up support for our Servicemen and Servicewomen.

In this regard, we will collaborate with the People's Association (PA) and SAFRA to garner community and local businesses' support. PA is looking at how they can offer privileges for use of facilities at community centres to Servicemen and Servicewomen, including NSmen and NSFs. SAFRA is also looking at enhancing their membership privileges. We hope that, through their partnerships and networks with various merchants, they can offer more benefits and discounts to Servicemen in recognition of their service.

The F&C Council also felt that it was important to reach out to women and help them better understand national defence, given the important support they provide to their sons, husbands or brothers serving their National Service. The Council, therefore, recommended that we partner the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations and PA's Women

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Integration Network to conduct sessions for mothers to share their experiences in supporting their children through National Service. We are also looking into conducting engagement sessions with wives of NSmen and young women.

Mr Chairman, the restructured ACCORD and its three Councils have taken a more proactive approach, compared to its predecessor. The members are actively leading in various initiatives and such ground-up efforts will have a significant impact on our outreach and engagement with various stakeholders to increase commitment to defence and support for National Service.

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin and Mr Alex Yam asked how we are intending to mark SAF50. I am pleased to report that the SAF has planned a series of SAF50 events this year under the theme "Our SAF: Giving Strength to our Nation". These events recognise and honour the contributions of all the men and women who have served in the defence of our country. Indeed, SAF50 is our way of saying "thank you" to all who dedicated themselves to preserving our sovereignty and defending our way of life, especially our Pioneers.

What SAF lacked in resources in the early years, our Pioneers made up for with their fortitude and determination. Mr Chairman, with your permission, I would like to show some pictures of these Pioneers.

The Chairman : Yes, please. [ Slides were shown to hon Members .]

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman : These Pioneers range from the soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Singapore Infantry Regiment; volunteers from the Singapore Volunteer Corps, Singapore Naval Volunteer Force and Singapore Women's Auxiliary Naval Service, and other volunteer forces, many of whom became members of the SAF when it was formed in 1965. These Pioneers were the early batches of officers, as well as National Servicemen who responded to the call after National Service was instituted in 1967.

Last month, we organised the first SAF50 public event – SAF50@Vivo. Held from 12 to 15 February, the four-day event attracted more than 87,000 visitors. While it had the usual displays of military hardware and fun activities, SAF50@Vivo was anchored on an exhibition that featured SAF stories. These were stories of our Pioneers, and their convictions and sacrifices. Stories of men and women who supported the SAF, whether from within the SAF or from the larger Singapore community. One Pioneer featured in our stories was LTC (Ret) Timothy De Souza. He was part of the RSAF's first aerobatic team in 1973. Another Pioneer was LTC (Ret) Syed Ibrahim. He was involved in Konfrontasi operations and later became an instructor who trained the first batch of our Officer Cadets.

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Another of these stories featured Eliza Heng, a volunteer counsellor and a mother of two sons. She spoke of how, through National Service, her sons "gained maturity in their outlook on life, and had become less self-centered and are more accepting of the little inconveniences in life". I am very heartened that many Singaporeans connected with and learnt a lot from the stories shared at the exhibition.

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Mdm Hani, in her 40s who visited the SAF50@Vivo said that the exhibition helped her to relate personally to our Servicemen whom she spoke to at the SAF50 booth. She said, "Through them, I know what my son does and goes through during National Service". Another visitor is Ms Theresa Chua, 24 years old, who said that the event reminded her that "it takes the whole community to come together to defend and protect the welfare and sovereignty of our nation".

I am gratified by these comments. They remind me that because of the SAF, we have common space for Singaporeans of all backgrounds to interact, train together and forge enduring friendships. As a result, we have built a deep pool of social capital that gives strength to our nation. Through efforts, such as SAF50@Vivo and the outreach efforts of the ACCORD Councils, we will continue to engage the community and groups such as women and schools, so that we deepen the social capital and goodwill that the SAF has built over the years. We will continue to commemorate SAF50 over the course of the year.

To expand our outreach, the SAF50 exhibition will travel to various public venues, including regional libraries across Singapore, till October 2015. Stories on the exhibition will be put up on the SAF50 website and in a commemorative book, as well as adapted into short videos. The commemorative book, which will be launched in July this year, will be a collection of more than 70 stories that will allow us to see the SAF through the range of lenses – from diplomacy, defence technology, operations, to family and community support, media and entertainment.

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin and Mr Alex Yam also asked if our SAF Pioneers will be involved in the SAF50 events. I am happy that many Pioneers came to the SAF50@Vivo exhibition and many others will be at other key events such as the SAF50 Parade, SAF50 Commemoration Dinner and SAF50 at Istana Presidential Garden reception. SAF Pioneers invited to these events include officers and warrant officers from the first batch of National Servicemen, first batch of officer cadets, Pioneers who served before 1965, and Servicemen who contributed to significant local and overseas SAF missions and operations.

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Some of these personalities will include our longest serving Chief of Defence Force Brigadier-General (Ret) Winston Choo, legendary Regimental Sergeant Majors, such as Captain (Ret) Hong Seng Mak – also known as "Tiger Hong" – and Captain (Ret) Shamsudin bin Shadan, and many more.

[Mdm Speaker in the Chair]

SAF formations and units will also engage their own Pioneers as part of their celebrations. Here, I also note Mr Seah Kian Peng's suggestion for MINDEF to support Unit Alumni Reunions. Indeed, we want to bring our Pioneers and previous batches of ex-Servicemen closer to our younger generation. They inspire us with their experiences, memories and motivations.

Mdm Chairman, with your permission, I would like to show a few more pictures of our Pioneers.

The Chairman : Yes, please. [ Slides were shown to hon Members .]

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman : SAF Pioneers like Colonel (Ret) Goh Lye Choon, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Syed Ibrahim and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Daljeet Singh were involved in Konfrontasi operations. They fought for their comrades, families and for the security of our country at a difficult period of Singapore's history.

We have Navy Pioneers like Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Jaswant Singh Gill and Senior Warrant Officer (Ret) Wee Cheng Leong who saw the development of the navy from its formative years to become what it is today. Major (Ret) Agnes Fong from RSAF was amongst the first batch of female officers. She later blazed the trail to become the first female commanding officer in SAF. They will continue to inspire us and the next generation.

Mr Alex Yam also asked how MINDEF engaged Singaporeans to strengthen the public's commitment to defence. Our starting point is a simple one. We believe that everyone has a part to play in defence. All stakeholders can and should take a personal responsibility in defence, whether you are a mother, employer, teacher or student. This is why we work through ACCORD where different stakeholders from businesses, schools and the community have come forward to contribute and demonstrate their support for National Service.

Besides ACCORD, we have also been actively engaging grassroots leaders, employers, trade union leaders, overseas Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, new citizens, women's organisations and others through visits to SAF units and other activities to keep them informed and updated on National Service and defence-related issues. We aim to be as

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inclusive as possible.

In collaboration with MOE under the SAF-Schools Partnership Programme, 33 post-secondary education institutions have paired with 47 SAF units to co-organise activities, such as unit visits, for their students.

We need to keep up such efforts to engage our public, because Singapore's defence can only be as strong as our people's will to defend Singapore. This is why we launched the Commitment to Defence Ambassadors programme this year during the SAF50@Vivo on 13 February, through which, some of our Pioneers and ex-Servicemen will engage our younger Singaporeans and share with them our early struggles, experiences, and accomplishments in the face of adversity. I hope that these stories will inspire younger Singaporeans and give them the spirit and strength to do their part for Singapore.

Indeed, Madam, as we celebrate SG50 and SAF50 this year, we must remember the spirit and strength exemplified by our Pioneers. We must harness it and work towards building a more secure and prosperous future for Singapore.

The Chairman : We have some time for clarification. Anyone wants to raise any issue? Ms Chia Yong Yong.

Ms Chia Yong Yong (Nominated Member) : Madam, thank you. I have heard our Ministers speak about the commitment, the importance of the heart and also of how people have spoken about how they are very proud and committed to be soldiers. In my own experience, I have spoken with many people and it is refreshing to hear those who say positive things about National Service because the majority of the people I have spoken with have very negative views about National Service. Many of them are cynical and I have heard people who say, "I do not see any reason why I should defend the country". There are people who have said, "We have not been trained well enough".

I would like to ask the Minister how we would want to address those. I think we may have certain generations who have passed, but for the younger ones who are coming into National Service, how are we going to build up that heart of passion and love for the country, so that regardless of the people and circumstances, they will want to train because they believe in defending the country?

Dr Ng Eng Hen : Madam, I thank the Nominated Member for the remarks. She is right. The SAF is a microcosm of society. You cannot expect everyone to hold the same view, same commitment. And I will tell you, as the betting average goes, we are fighting against the

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trend.

We have a chart about the number of countries that have conscription over the last few years. It is coming down. In Asia, it is really Korea and us, because national service to protect your country is a difficult enterprise. And I would say to that, more an answer that is rose-tinted or even unrealistic, that you have to continue. We have tried in various ways – which the Second Minister and Minister of State have said – whether it is Commitment to Defence Ambassadors, or whether it is through our SAF50 exhibitions or our NDP which we talked about, it is a continuing process.

But I believe that on the whole, Singaporeans will defend Singapore when it comes to the crunch. I believe we have built enough goodwill and belief. I acknowledge what Ms Chia said, that there are those who feel that they do not feel that they have the heart or great commitment to defend Singapore; they exist. We will continue to work. But whether or not they do, each one recognises that you have to do National Service, and during the time that we have, we will continue to plod on and to continue to help them to understand why we have to defend our country.

Madam, with your permission, I also want to respond to some queries, since we have a few minutes in clarification.

One was what Member Irene Ng asked about in terms of whether those who marched in the first NDP will also be marching in our 50th Golden Jubilee. They will be slightly older now, but those that are around will, as she says in her words "some of them will come back". Indeed. And not only the first NDP contingent, but the first few, if not marching, then as spectators. The NDP Organising Committee thought that it would be useful to reprise or to bring back the old NDP marching contingents. So, there will be a vintage parade, which means nurses in their old costumes, policemen in their shorts. They would not be the people who marched in the first NDP; they will be younger ones but wearing the same costumes as the vintage parade.

But I agree absolutely with the Member that it is not just a show, and I agree with her. If that is all it is, then we have failed. We have to have a touch point, as the member has rightly pointed out, to explain or to impress on people, to celebrate together, to review what we have accomplished together as a nation and to look forward.

Another point that I want to respond to is the one by the Member Mr Faisal Manap. Let me thank him for his support for our policy on Malays in the SAF. As I have said and other Defence Ministers before me have said, the SAF's deployment of our National Service soldiers is based on their aptitude, abilities and commitment to Singapore. If you are

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committed to Singapore and have the abilities, we will put you in the best possible position.

He asked some of the comments I have made in a session with Yale-NUS and Law. The context has to be correct. One question was asked, "Can you deploy them? How do you deploy them when it came to sensitive positions?" I made the point about security clearance, and that is routine for these positions. I think Members would find the SAF remiss if, for sensitive positions, we did not do our security clearance. You know what happened in other countries. Snowden is a classic example where your secrets are all out, and you put your people in danger. So, that is routine.

We will continue to commit to make sure that every Singaporean in National Service is put into the best use, as we have done in CSNS as we engage them. And with the support of Members of the House, I believe that we can continue to have a strong defence.

The Chairman : Mr Faisal Manap.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap : Madam, just to give my point of view. My impression was that when the Minister mentioned about sensitive areas, it relates back to my own personal experience that I had when I was serving in National Service. So, I would like to ask the Minister; is there any sensitive area that is actually out of bounds for the Malays, because I kind of assumed that the experience that I had may be due to that.

Dr Ng Eng Hen : Madam, there are sensitive units within MINDEF that are out of bounds to Chinese, to Indians. Race is not a factor. It is an issue about commitment and, as you can well imagine, that they are even out of bounds to people who are senior, depending what is the sensitivity is. That is how you run militaries. You have to keep your secrets.

You know the slogan "Loose lips sink ships". Those who are in security understand it. And that is routine for militaries, for security agencies. It is common; it is applied; and we have to protect and make sure that the information we have is secure, and it is restricted based on security clearance.

The Chairman : Ms Irene Ng.

6.45 pm

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong : I just thought that I should make clear that when I said to involve the PDF volunteers who marched in the first NDP in this year's NDP, I did not mean to ask them to march. I meant to invite them and to give them the due spotlight so that they

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will feel that they are being appreciated.

Dr Ng Eng Hen : We are inviting those that we can find. So, yes, some of them will be involved. But the larger picture is that we plan a good celebration that all Singaporeans can come together. The Member's point is that really, at the end of it, will Singaporeans feel as one, more united, more optimistic about the future, more determined to forge a better future for all of us? That we will need the help of all Singaporeans.

The NDP Organising Committee knows that it has a very onerous task and very high standards for it because there are many requests. They will do their best possible. But I would like us all to enjoy the NDP show come 9 August. And, as I said, make sure that after the NDP show, keep our streets clean, be safe, and I believe that if we put our minds to it and if we use that occasion to see how far we have come as a nation, to use that occasion to come together closer, and to use that occasion to look forward to our future, I believe that the NDP would have served its purpose. And I hope that it will serve its purpose.

The Chairman : If there are no other clarifications, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, would you like to withdraw your amendment?

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin : Yes, Madam. Once again, Madam, I thank our Members for their contributions and our Ministers and Minister of State for their responses. With that, Madam, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

[(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)]

[(proc text) The sum of $12,691,000,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)]

[(proc text) The sum of $431,000,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]

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