Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

2 Nov 2021

Data on Suspected and Actual Instances of Foreign Interference in Last 10 Years

The Minister for Home Affairs declined to provide specific annual statistics on suspected or actual foreign interference cases, citing national security reasons and bilateral considerations.
The Ministry previously disclosed some foreign interference incidents and case studies during the debate on the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill, which the Workers' Party supported as necessary.
Some past cases were handled under existing laws like the Internal Security Act, while others required the new powers proposed in the Bill for effective response.

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2 Nov 2021

Assessment of Significance of Five Power Defence Arrangements in View of Its 50th Anniversary

Dennis Tan asked the Minister for Defence about the relevance of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) on its 50th anniversary, especially in light of the UK carrier strike group's visit and tensions in the South China Sea.
Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that the FPDA remains vital for Singapore and Malaysia's security, providing a framework for mutual defence consultation and building military confidence and interoperability through exercises like Bersama Gold 2021.
The FPDA is seen as non-threatening, transparent, and complementing other bilateral and multilateral defence exchanges, with ongoing welcome for the UK's constructive regional engagement.

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1 Nov 2021

Military Camps that Tap On Renewable Sources of Energy to Generate Power

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about the percentage of military camps using renewable energy, feasibility of solar panels, and any installation plans.
MINDEF and the SAF are committed to supporting Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and have begun installing solar panels in suitable camp areas.
By April next year, about one in four camps will have solar panels, generating 20 MWp of electricity, equivalent to the consumption of about 5,000 four-room households.
By 2025, solar panel adoption will expand to nearly two-thirds of camps, generating 50 MWp of electricity.
The plans will proceed without compromising operational effectiveness.

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5 Oct 2021

Ratification of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership by All Participating Countries

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether the Ministry expects all RCEP participating countries to ratify the agreement before the ASEAN summit in Brunei and what main impediments remain for ratification.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that ratification depends on each signatory’s domestic processes and requires six ASEAN signatories and three ASEAN FTA partner signatories to deposit their Instruments of Ratification for the agreement to enter into force 60 days later.
Singapore, China, and Japan have already deposited their Instruments of Ratification, and the remaining signatories aim to ratify RCEP by the end of 2021 for entry into force in early 2022.

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5 Oct 2021

Singapore's Stand on China's application to Join Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‐Pacific Partnership

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether Singapore supports China's application to join the CPTPP, and if so, why, or if not, why.
Minister Gan Kim Yong welcomed China's interest, noting the CPTPP is open to economies that can meet its high standards and that expansion would enhance economic integration and plurilateral ties.
The Minister emphasized that any decision on accession will be made by consensus among all CPTPP parties.

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5 Oct 2021

Entry of Malaysian Police Helicopter into Singapore's Airspace in September 2021

A Royal Malaysian Police helicopter entered Singapore's airspace over Pulau Tekong without approval on 11 September 2021, prompting the RSAF to issue warnings and scramble F-16s.
The RSAF determined no security threat and stood down the aircraft, as it conducts over 350 such incident responses annually.
The Ministry of Home Affairs registered concern with Malaysian authorities regarding the unauthorised entry.
No diplomatic note of protest was mentioned, and follow-up actions were limited to standard security protocols and bilateral communication.

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5 Oct 2021

Implication of AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Deal for Singapore and ASEAN

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked about the impact of the AUKUS submarine deal on Singapore and ASEAN.
Singapore and ASEAN have strong ties with Australia, the UK, and the US, hoping AUKUS will contribute to regional peace and complement existing inclusive architectures.
Singapore also has robust relations with China, welcoming engagement from all stakeholders to uphold ASEAN Centrality and a rules-based order.
Singapore emphasizes a peaceful, stable region under international law, seeing opportunities for cooperation despite major power competition.

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5 Oct 2021

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents Domiciled Overseas Entering Singapore to Serve National Service

Between January 2020 and August 2021, 1,082 Singaporeans and Permanent Residents based overseas returned for National Service enlistment.
Returnees follow the same national travel health measures as all returning citizens and permanent residents, including bearing the cost of quarantine and Stay-Home Notice since 1 January 2021.
The average expenditure for quarantine and Stay-Home Notice is about $2,200 per person, with the option to appeal to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority for waivers on exceptional grounds.

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4 Oct 2021

Measures to Prevent and Counter Terrorist Attacks in Places of High Human Traffic

The Government has enhanced counter-terrorism capabilities through stronger intelligence, increased police presence, and the deployment of Rapid Deployment Troops with improved equipment.
Extensive surveillance has been expanded with over 90,000 police cameras installed, aiming for 200,000 by 2030, to boost detection and response to terrorist incidents.
Community vigilance and preparedness are prioritized through the SGSecure movement, which involves training businesses and the public, with over 63,000 businesses engaged in counter-terrorism exercises.

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4 Oct 2021

Impact of Recently Signed Cooperative Relationship between Australia, UK and US on Security and Stability of South China Sea Region

Singapore views AUKUS as a new security partnership that it hopes will contribute constructively to regional peace and stability, complementing the existing open and inclusive regional architecture.
The government emphasises the importance of upholding ASEAN Centrality and a rules-based order under international law, including UNCLOS, while engaging all major powers including China.
While acknowledging inevitable competition among major powers, Singapore believes there is room for cooperation and collective efforts to enhance regional security and stability.

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4 Oct 2021

Impact of AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Deal on Singapore and Use of Singapore's Port Facilities

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether the proposed Australian nuclear submarines under the AUKUS pact will be allowed to use Singapore's port facilities.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen noted that Singapore adapts to various multilateral security groupings like the FPDA, ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting, and the Quad, emphasizing their role in regional stability and non-confrontational activities.
On Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, the Minister said requests to use Singapore’s naval facilities would be assessed based on existing criteria, focusing on bilateral ties and regional stability.
Port calls would be facilitated only if vessels comply with Singapore’s laws and safety regulations, particularly for nuclear-powered submarines.

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4 Oct 2021

Singapore's Assessment of Foreign Policy Implication with Return of Taliban as Government in Afghanistan

The Minister for Foreign Affairs described the situation in Afghanistan as challenging with a severe humanitarian impact, noting Singapore’s close monitoring of developments and hope that all parties, including the Taliban, protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid.
Singapore welcomes UN Security Council Resolution 2593 (2021) which calls for Afghanistan not to shelter or train terrorists, emphasizing the international community’s interest in an Afghanistan at peace and the importance of combating terrorism there.
Singapore’s past involvement in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2013 was due to the global fight against terrorism and security threats like Jemaah Islamiyah’s links to Al Qaeda; the Minister hoped Afghanistan would not become a safe haven for terrorist groups again.
Bilateral ties with Afghanistan have been limited to technical assistance through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), with 837 Afghan officials participating prior to the previous government’s collapse, and Singapore hopes to resume this assistance when conditions permit.

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4 Oct 2021

Educating Singaporeans on Singapore’s Core National Interests Given Growing Complexity of International Developments

Vivian Balakrishnan stated that MFA engages Singaporeans through schools, institutions, and media to educate them on core national interests and foreign policy, but does not conduct regular public sentiment polling.
He emphasized that domestic consensus on foreign policy is essential for credible diplomacy and that efforts include sessions with retired ambassadors and outreach to various demographic groups.
The government aims to ensure Singaporeans are well-informed about geopolitical developments and the rationale behind the country's foreign policy as a small city-state.

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4 Oct 2021

Retired Senior SAF Officers Holding Senior Positions in Public Sector Organisations

As of September 2021, 15 retired SAF officers (colonel/ME7 and above) hold senior public service appointments, representing about 10% of such roles and 7% of eligible retired officers since 2010.
The Public Service recruits based on the principle of "best available person for the job," evaluating candidates from within the public service, uniformed services, and the private sector, considering their competencies and experience.
SAF officers are assessed for competencies like strategic leadership, organizational transformation, and large-scale operations, which are relevant to public service roles, and are prepared through leadership programs and inter-agency postings.
While sector-specific knowledge is considered, it is not the sole factor; public service leadership teams value diverse experiences and collaborative skills over requiring years of prior sectoral experience.

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4 Oct 2021

Mental Health of full-time National Servicemen during COVID-19 Pandemic

MINDEF/SAF has a Mental Health Support System with education, prevention, detection, and intervention measures for full-time National Servicemen.
During the pandemic, the SAF introduced new initiatives such as mental well-being campaigns, tele-counselling, and online resources to address COVID-19-specific challenges.
Commanders are trained to identify mental health issues and regularly interview servicemen, with additional support from para-counsellors, psychologists, and a 24-hour hotline.
The SAF encourages family and friends to report any signs of distress in servicemen via the NS Call Centre.
Measures will continue to be monitored and updated as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

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4 Oct 2021

Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill

The debate centered on the necessity of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA) to protect Singapore’s sovereignty from covert foreign interference, with the government arguing for swift legislative action due to evolving threats, while opposition parties raised concerns about potential overreach and insufficient oversight.
Key disagreements included the appeal mechanism, with the government defending a Reviewing Tribunal chaired by a Supreme Court Judge as necessary for handling sensitive intelligence, whereas the Workers' Party proposed appeals to the High Court for stronger judicial oversight, which was rejected.
Amendments proposed by the Workers' Party to increase transparency—such as requiring public disclosure of FICA designations and reasons—were mostly rejected, though the government committed to publishing key decisions, with exceptions for national security.

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4 Oct 2021

Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill

The government, led by Minister K. Shanmugam, introduced the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill to counter online hostile information campaigns and foreign influence through local proxies, citing growing threats from state actors and the need to protect Singapore's sovereignty and political processes.
The bill grants authorities powers to designate individuals and entities as Politically Significant Persons (PSPs), issue directives to remove or label content, and demand information from platforms, with appeals handled by a tribunal rather than the High Court, sparking concerns over judicial oversight and potential abuse of power.
Workers' Party MPs proposed amendments to increase transparency, narrow the scope of "political ends," and shift appeals to the High Court, while the government agreed to some changes but defended the bill's necessity, balance, and alignment with international practices.

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4 Oct 2021

Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill

The Minister for Home Affairs moved the Second Reading of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill to address threats from hostile foreign actors.
Leong Mun Wai, a Non-Constituency Member, attempted to raise a point of order and propose an amendment to the question during the debate.
The Speaker instructed Leong Mun Wai to wait for his turn to speak before raising his proposed amendment.

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4 Oct 2021

Motion under Standing Order 18(6) Proviso

Deputy Leader Zaqy Mohamad moved to refer a petition on the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Bill for consideration during the Bill's Second Reading, arguing that this would allow immediate debate rather than delay through committee referral.
He noted the petition's criticisms overlap with amendments proposed by the Workers' Party, ensuring the issues would be addressed in the ongoing debate.
The Speaker approved the motion, and it was passed, with several Members recording their dissent.

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14 Sep 2021

Impact on Security in Singapore and Neighbouring Region due to Taliban's Control of Afghanistan

Minister K Shanmugam noted that while there is no specific terrorist threat to Singapore from Afghanistan's situation, the Taliban's control could create conditions for groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS to regroup, potentially attracting Southeast Asian militants and facilitating radicalisation via social media.
Historical precedents, such as the Soviet-Afghan war, showed foreign fighters returning to Southeast Asia to form militant groups like Jemaah Islamiyah and plot attacks in Singapore, with recent examples including ISIS-K recruiting from the region and supporting attacks in the Philippines.
The government emphasises the critical role of the community in countering radicalisation, with high public support for SGSecure, and plans to expand initiatives like the Community Response Roundtable to enhance local preparedness and vigilance.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to review and strengthen SGSecure to remind residents of their responsibility in combating terrorism, focusing on reporting suspicious activities and supporting crisis response efforts.

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