SINGAPORE — As the Republic prepares to mark its Golden Jubilee, various options are being considered to allow more Singaporeans to attend the National Day Parade (NDP) next year, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said yesterday.

These include increasing the seating capacity at the Padang or creating satellite viewing platforms throughout the Marina Bay area during the NDP preview show and the Aug 9 parade itself, he told Parliament.

“With regard to maximising capacity, it is indeed what we want to do. There are possible focus points, such as Marina Promenade. And the advent of large LED screens with very good resolution actually make it possible,” Dr Ng said.

However, there are also logistical problems to be considered, he added. For example, since the parade will be located in the middle of town, the organisers will have to assess the feasibility of expanding it.

“We are also working with the People’s Association on activities to celebrate National Day in heartland locations,” Dr Ng said.

Responding to queries by Members of Parliament on whether the Government will consider having two NDP preview shows, Dr Ng noted that an additional show “may be very taxing for participants, who would require some rest before the actual NDP show”.

Currently, there are four shows prior to the actual NDP — three National Education shows for school students and one NDP preview.

“Adding another show means you may have to add it on a Sunday, and that may be very taxing for the participants,” said Dr Ng.

“They (the organising committee) are quite cognisant that this is NDP 2015, our Golden Jubilee, and they want to put up a good show and include as many Singaporeans as possible, either at the Padang or the fringe areas,” he added. PAUL LIM