Defence & foreign affairs

• The Minister highlighted that the Lebanon incidents underscore the risks of compromised communication devices and the need to secure supply chains, which Singapore addresses through supplier clearance, transport monitoring, and equipment screening.
• MINDEF and the SAF employ a risk-differentiated approach to safeguard supply chains, including cybersecurity testing and collaboration with local agencies and international partners to share intelligence on vulnerabilities.
• The Ministry will continue reviewing and improving its safeguards, taking a comprehensive view across the supply chain and engaging with relevant agencies to ensure Singapore's security is not compromised.

• The Ministry for Home Affairs said the Singapore Police Force collaborates with agencies like the Singapore Land Authority, National Parks Board, and Ministry of Defence to monitor forested areas, share information, and conduct joint operations to prevent illegal activities and national security threats.
• The police use specialized units such as the Gurkha Contingent and Special Operations Command, along with technological tools like drones with thermal imaging, to respond to suspicious incidents and conduct search and rescue operations.
• Common illegal activities detected in forested areas over the past five years involve illegal immigrants and vice activities.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about a noise disturbance from RSAF fighter jet training in Western Australia and asked about measures to comply with local laws and maintain good relations with residents. Ng Eng Hen responded that RSAF conducts overseas training to mitigate space constraints and collaborates with local authorities to ensure compliance with laws and safety. RSAF engages with community leaders to support local initiatives and reminds its personnel to respect local practices. The Ministry of Defence expresses gratitude towards foreign partners and is committed to being responsible guests during training.

Syed Harun Alhabsyi emphasized the complexities of Singapore's foreign policy amidst global tensions, advocating for increased citizen engagement in understanding and supporting these efforts. He suggested that Singapore must uphold its values and principles in foreign relations while continuing to act as an honest broker in global affairs. Harun called for a proactive approach to addressing international issues that may impact Singapore, highlighting the need for consensus among citizens to present a united front internationally. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan agreed, stressing that effective foreign policy starts at home and acknowledging the challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts. Both speakers underscored the importance of Singapore's role in promoting a rules-based international order while maintaining social cohesion domestically.

• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about Singapore's obligations regarding the ICJ's findings on Israeli settlements and unlawful occupation in Palestinian Territories, and how Singapore would support them.
• Vivian Balakrishnan directed the member to a prior reply given on 7 August 2024, referencing an official report on Middle East tensions.
• The debate highlighted Singapore's position on the illegality of Israeli settlements but did not provide new policy commitments beyond referencing existing responses.

• About 650 pre-enlistees, or 2.7% annually, have been exempted from National Service since 2010 due to severe mental health conditions to ensure safety.
• Exemptions are determined by SAF medical doctors using guidelines from public healthcare psychiatrists, with inputs from private doctors considered.
• The Minister did not provide specific data on individuals who voluntarily serve despite exemption or their completion rates.

• Over the past five years, the SAF Hotline received 2,326 complaints, with about 30% from full-time National Servicemen and 10% from SAF Regulars.
• Most complaints concerned administrative matters and unit management, while a small number involved alleged misconduct.
• Investigations led to disciplinary actions against two sergeants and one officer during this period.

• Leong Mun Wai asked whether the number or percentage of Chinese social visit pass holders arrested has increased since the visa exemption in February 2024 and whether automated immigration lanes raise security risks, to which the Minister of State for Home Affairs replied that there has been no increase in arrests and that Singapore’s multi-layered security checks, including pre-arrival screening and biometric systems, effectively manage risks without closing borders due to the economic importance of tourism and open borders.
• The Minister highlighted that the visa exemption with China was a carefully assessed decision balancing security risks with significant economic and bilateral benefits, and that automated clearance has actually improved risk assessment by freeing up officers for profiling and enabling more upstream screening.
• In a supplementary question, Leong Mun Wai clarified that his party does not advocate closed borders but seeks additional measures to protect security as foreign visitor numbers grow, specifically asking if the government is considering tougher penalties for cross-border crimes like scams, money laundering, and burglaries committed by Chinese nationals.
• The Minister responded that the government continuously reviews and updates laws, such as the Criminal Procedure Code and Penal Code, to address evolving transnational crimes, including online scams, and acknowledges the need for stronger deterrents as visitor numbers and technology use increase.

Wan Rizal questioned the Minister for Home Affairs about how the Ministry monitors and addresses foreign interference, the success rate of these interventions, and public education on the risks involved. K Shanmugam responded that the Government employs frameworks like the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act and Internal Security Act to manage these risks, although specific details and success rates are not disclosed for operational reasons. He emphasized the importance of an informed and vigilant public as the primary defense against foreign interference. The Government is promoting information literacy through campaigns like the S.U.R.E 2.0 initiative and conducting various outreach efforts to raise awareness among citizens, including public servants and students.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about Singapore's plans for additional humanitarian aid to Gaza and the continuity of the Enhanced Technical Assistance Programme with the Palestinian Authority during the ongoing conflict. Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that Singapore is coordinating with Cyprus and the UAE to deliver a fourth tranche of aid, including canned sardines and rice, with over $17 million contributed to date for humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Assistance to the Palestinian Authority is ongoing, with training for officials and scholarships awarded for various fields of study. The response to Nadia Ahmad Samdin's parliamentary question regarding the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion was previously addressed.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs about Singapore's reporting to the UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) regarding arms transfers for 2022 and 2023. Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that Singapore submits regular reports to UNROCA, with the reports for 2020 and 2021 submitted in February 2023. The finalization of the reports covering 2022 and 2023 is ongoing, and they are scheduled to be submitted in September 2024.

Alex Yam Ziming raised concerns about the potential formation of splinter groups from the dissolution of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and inquired about intelligence collaboration among regional agencies and Singapore's security threat assessment post-dissolution. K Shanmugam acknowledged the dissolution as a significant achievement for Indonesia's counter-terrorism efforts but warned that factions within JI may still pose a threat. He emphasized the importance of continued monitoring of JI, strong international partnerships, and regular intelligence exchanges. The assessed terrorism threat to Singapore remains high, despite the absence of specific imminent threats, and public vigilance is encouraged.

Ang Wei Neng raised concerns to the Minister for Home Affairs regarding a network of 95 accounts that posted on Singapore's leadership transition, seeking information on their reach, the origins of the accounts, and any subsequent posts. The Minister of State, Sun Xueling, reported that local reach was low, no further posts were detected post-10 May 2024, and investigations found no evidence of local involvement in the accounts. The episode highlighted Singapore’s vulnerability to Hostile Information Campaigns (HICs) and the need for public vigilance alongside legislative measures like the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act. Ang Wei Neng requested further information on monitoring resources and smaller scale hostile interferences.

Christopher de Souza raised concerns about the implications of escalating tensions in the Middle East for Singapore and the country's role in ensuring Israel complies with international law. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan emphasized Singapore's grave concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire while urging adherence to international law from all parties involved. Balakrishnan clarified Singapore's consistent position on Israeli settlements as illegal under international law and stressed the need for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining social cohesion in Singapore amidst foreign conflicts and reiterated the country's limited but constructive diplomatic engagement in the region. Ensuring the safety of Singaporeans in the Middle East remains a priority, with travel advisories in place for high-risk areas.

• Dr Wan Rizal questioned the Minister for Foreign Affairs on how the ICJ ruling on Israel's actions in Palestinian territories impacts Singapore's diplomatic relations and policies.
• He also asked what steps Singapore is taking to support international efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, stated that a consolidated response would be provided on 7 August 2024.
• The response will refer to the Official Report on the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on Singapore.
• The debate defers detailed discussion to the upcoming parliamentary session.

• Leong Mun Wai asked whether Singapore has sold any weapons or materials that could harm civilians to Israel since 7 October 2023.
• Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore complies with international obligations, UN sanctions, and embargoes, and reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms.
• He added that the government's established policy is not to publicly disclose details of defence sales for national security reasons.

• The F-16 crash at Tengah Air Base was caused by a rare simultaneous malfunction of two pitch rate gyroscopes, which provided erroneous inputs; the pilot followed emergency procedures, and the aircraft was maintained according to protocols with no pre-flight faults detected.
• RSAF has introduced an additional preventive maintenance procedure for the gyroscopes beyond manufacturer requirements to detect early degradation and reduce recurrence, while remaining confident in the F-16's operational capability based on its extensive global use and flight hours.
• Medical and psychological support was proactively provided to affected personnel, with the pilot certified fit and having resumed flying, and RSAF prioritizes public safety through minimized flight routes over residential areas and emergency response training.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the rationale for building civil defence shelters in housing estates, the scarcity in newer estates like Sengkang and Punggol, and whether in-built HDB shelters are as safe as public ones.
• Minister K Shanmugam explained that residents have little time during war, making home shelters safer than rushing to public shelters, which are now mainly for essential activities outside.
• Since 1998, all residential developments in Singapore must have shelters in each unit or common shelters per floor or staircase.
• Public shelters at MRT stations, schools, and community centres are primarily for those conducting essential activities outside during crises.
• All civil defence shelters, whether residential or public, meet SCDF technical specifications for protection against blasts and fragmentation.
• The government considers residential shelters the most effective and will continue using them as the primary sheltering method for the public.

• Singapore supports a negotiated two-state solution and voted in favor of a UN resolution supporting Palestine’s membership, indicating preparedness to recognize Palestine in principle, but only when such a move would advance peace and an effective Palestinian government that accepts Israel’s right to exist and renounces terrorism is in place.
• Singapore provides substantial technical assistance, scholarships, and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian Authority, including a S$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package and training for officials, to build capacity for eventual statehood and reconstruction of Gaza once hostilities cease.
• The government’s position on formal recognition is political and not solely legal, emphasizing that recognition must be timely and constructive, and that Singapore remains engaged bilaterally and multilaterally while adhering to its consistent diplomatic approach of being a friend to both Israelis and Palestinians.

• Sylvia Lim asked whether other governments have indicated they will investigate predicate offences for those deported after being convicted in Singapore’s billion-dollar money laundering case.
• The Minister of State clarified that eight of the ten convicted foreigners have been deported, with the remaining two to follow after serving sentences, and that Singapore has no control over what happens to them abroad.
• The Minister of State explained that extradition only applies if a treaty exists and a valid request is made, noting there are currently no extradition proceedings for these offenders.
• Sylvia Lim followed up by asking if Singapore needs to enhance extradition arrangements with countries where no treaties currently exist.
• The Minister of State stated Singapore already has extradition treaties or arrangements with about 44 jurisdictions and will consider expanding the network carefully, weighing risks and protections.