TODAY, PUBLISHED: 10:45 PM, AUGUST 26, 2016
SINGAPORE — With the threat of a terror attack looming over the nation, the Home Team and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are doing their best to keep Singapore safe, but society has a role to play in staying mentally resilient in the event of a national crisis, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Friday (Aug 26).
Should an attack happen, Singaporeans must continue to go out — to shops, cinemas, work — and keep the country going, said Dr Ng, as he launched the NS Mark accreditation scheme at the Total Defence Awards gala dinner at Pan Pacific Hotel.
If people allow their fears to overwhelm them in the event of a national crisis, and shirk away from activity, the impact will be worse than the crisis itself, said Dr Ng, citing the bombings in Brussels in March this year, where 32 people died. Occupancy at some hotels in the Belgian capital dropped from 82 to 25 per cent overnight, in the aftermath of the attacks.
In his speech, Dr Ng also pointed to recent events such as the arrests of members of a terror cell in Batam, who were plotting to fire rockets at Singapore’s Marina Bay. He noted that the fight against terrorism cannot be left to the Home Team and SAF alone.
During a crisis, society has to play its part in psychological defence by going to public places, and economic defence by not giving up so that jobs and businesses can keep going.
“Because at the heart of the message of total defence was a simple one — that the unity of Singaporeans is our key strength,” said Dr Ng.
Addressing the audience, which included employers being recognised for being supportive of National Service, he added: “When you support your NSmen in your company or provide civil resources during mobilisation, you are directly contributing to Singapore’s security.”
The Total Defence Awards, first introduced in 1986, recognise businesses and organisations for their contribution to Total Defence. The NS Advocate Award is given to four different groups — small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large companies, organisations and individuals.
The new NS Mark accreditation scheme is aimed at encouraging employers and businesses to step up support for their NSmen employees.
“Our founding generation fought against communism, Konfrontasi and racial riots. Our generation today now faces the threat of terrorism. And whether this generation can overcome the current challenge and future ones depends on total defence, depends on people like you who strengthen our defences,” said Dr Ng, who handed the NS Advocate Award to 28 organisations.
Dr Maliki Osman, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, presented the awards to 52 SMEs and 34 large companies, while Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Lee presented the award to 12 individuals.
Article Source: Today
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