Paris attacks reminder that security cannot be taken for granted: Ong Ye Kung

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is ready to defend the nation and remains on “high alert” for any potential aggressors, said Senior Minister of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung today (Nov 26).

Mr Ong, who was observing the army’s Standby Force undergo an activation exercise at Amoy Quee Camp, said the SAF is a key component of a multi-faceted inter-agency effort to defend the Republic against various threats, including terrorism.

The recent attacks in Paris which took the lives of 130 civilians are a “sobering reminder” that safety and security cannot be taken for granted, said Mr Ong, who is also Acting Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills).

“Something like that can happen here as well, and for that matter can happen in any urban city around the world. So, we must always be on high alert. It is a very good reminder that over the years, this is why we put in the effort to build up an SAF that is operationally ready and competent,” he added.

About 400 full-time National Servicemen from the Second Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, were put through a mock incursion scenario today that tested how rapidly they could respond.

Mr Ong observed soldiers draw their equipment, assemble arms and being deployed for action.

The army’s Standby Force comprises units from across various vocations, such as armour and artillery units.

Besides its routine drills, the SAF also partners other local agencies and international efforts in fighting threats, such as being part of the multinational coalition against ISIS (the Islamic State militant group), said Mr Ong.

But every Singaporean also has a role to play, he added.

“We have real capabilities, it is tested on the ground ... I won’t consider those learning exercises or paper exercises ... The SAF can only do so much, but ultimately every Singaporean, everyone also has a role to play. This is total defence in the light of terrorism threat,” Mr Ong said.

CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this story, we reported that 300 NSmen took part in the exercise. This is incorrect. About 400 full-time National Servicemen took part.