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Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman at the Committee of Supply Debate on 3 Mar 2017
Ms Low Yeng Ling, Dr Fatimah Lateef and Mr Amrin Amin asked how we can respond to new hybrid threats. Now in its 33rd year, Total Defence remains our best defence and response. The avenue of threats is new – social media, the internet and electronic devices, but the threats are the same – distortions and falsehoods. And they target the same vulnerabilities – our differences in race, religion and background. This is why the five pillars and core message of every Singaporean standing together, playing our part to protect Singapore and our shared way of life continue to be relevant.
Read MoreSpeech by Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister for Education (Schools) at the launch of the "Stronger Together" Exhibition
"Singapore is safe today, but we cannot take peace for granted. We face different challenges today in a rapidly-changing and globalised environment. You would have read media reports on terrorism and the new threats we face. If we are ill-prepared, we will be vulnerable. This is why the concept of Total Defence remains relevant for all of us today."
Read MoreHistory Reminds Us That We All Have A Part To Play In Total Defence
[Second Minster for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung] said, “The painful lessons learnt from Singapore’s fall is why National Service (NS) was introduced 50 years ago. Everyone needs to play a part in Total Defence. This includes supporting NS and our National Servicemen. And by staying united, Singapore will be able to overcome all challenges and threats to our society.
Read MoreOn Total Defence Day, ask yourself, 'What does it mean to be Singaporean?'
Total Defence is often seen as protecting our borders or civil defence, but it is much more than that. It is as much about building relationships among people, nurturing our youngsters, instilling in our kids a sense of their history, sharing our value system with them, encouraging them to think deeply, encouraging them to follow their passions. This is how we keep our society whole and vibrant in the years to come. The aim is to secure the peace so Singaporeans can go about their lives, follow their aspirations and dreams.
Read MoreDPM Teo Chee Hean at Pasir Ris West Revamped Emergency Preparedness Day
SGSecure puts the civil, social, and psychological aspects of Total Defence into action in our community. All of us must stay alert, stay united and stay strong so that we can respond and quickly bounce back from any crisis.
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