Skip to main content

Securing Singapore

27 Aug 2020 2 min read

Bookmark (0)
ClosePlease loginn

No account yet? Register

Soldiers at a parade

Despite a challenging external environment, the PAP Government will keep Singapore one of the safest homes in the world.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Ministry of Law (MINLAW), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) released their addenda to the President’s address today.

They vowed to keep Singapore strong and safe both internationally and domestically.

Internationally, we will be strong and sovereign.

Even as we face a more volatile external environment and a widening array of threats, the SAF’s manpower pool will shrink. In response, MINDEF will transform the SAF’s organisation and technological abilities, to build a leaner but more effective force. The NS (national service) system will be enhanced to make NS more meaningful for servicemen.

MFA will further build on the strong relations we have regionally and internationally. It will also play a role in getting Singapore COVID-19 vaccines if and when they become available.

The NSCS will look into areas such as our economic security, vulnerabilities from inter-dependencies and social resilience.

Domestically, we will stay safe and secure. MHA will amend laws to better guard against gambling, drugs, fires and foreign interference in our domestic politics. MHA will deepen its technological capabilities and community partnerships to keep Singapore one of the safest places in the world.

Government services will stay accessible and friendly to Singaporeans. MHA will better coordinate internally to deliver more efficient operations and better service. For example, a Safe Travel Office will coordinate the different regulations around travelling in the pandemic and be a single touch point for Singaporeans who have to travel.

To adapt to a post-COVID world, MINLAW will help small companies who need to restructure or wind down their companies through simpler, faster and low-cost proceedings. They will also ensure those who are less digitally savvy will not be cut off from the legal system. The family justice system will move towards minimising litigation and promoting healing of relationships.     

(Image credit: K Shanmugam’s Facebook)