In the recent days, the controversy over the detaining of Singapore's 9 Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles has been alarming to say the least.
At this point in time, China / HK has not clarified publicly the reason for holding Terrex ICVs and neither are there any obvious reasons to for them to do so.
This incident clearly shows that the world is by default, not a friendly place.
Nations will look out for their own interest, first and foremost. And they will use any and all means available to them to protect and advance their interests, even at the expense of friendly nations.
The ramifications of this incident are very clear, and hold important lessons for Singapore.
China, or any other country for that matter, can and will unilaterally take actions that would be harmful to Singapore.
And when such a scenario comes to being, what is Singapore to do?
Singapore is no stranger to foreign powers doing what they can to intimidate, change or influence Singapore’s position.
We have had a public building bombed; had our national airline hijacked; had our PM offered substantial monetary bribes; been insulted with warships with ominous names; threatened with cutting off our water supply; harmed economically with a cut-off in the supply of sand for reclamation; intimidated with paratrooper airdrops right at our doorsteps on our National Day and threatened with trade and diplomatic sanctions over the punishment meted out to a vandal - all these in our short 50 years as an independent nation.
Did we waver under these withering circumstances?
No. Singapore stood firm.
Singapore does not seek to make enemies. We are a small country and all we want to do is to be good friends to everyone.
We are willing to discuss and cooperate, as we have done in the past with nations whom we have had disputes with. We will seek to resolve any disputes amicably such that is both a win-win for all parties and in accordance with international law and norms.
But make no mistake. Singapore will not bow to external pressures on matters which do not serve her interests.
And do not step across the line and test our resolve and ability to defend ourselves.
It is perhaps at this time, that we start to clearly see the immense value of a strong SAF which is supported by Singaporeans.
Unfortunately, there are certain Singaporeans who, rather than stand united as one nation, have caved in to fears/pressure and have demanded that the Govt "apologise" to China over the Terrex ICVs. There is even a online petition for this cowardly move now.
Pic: Shut down TRS
There is no other way to put this.
These people who, have at the first sign of pressure want Singapore to bow before a foreign power, ARE TRAITORS
Instead of coming together and defending Singapore's interests, these Traitors rather have Singapore
acquiesce to foreign demands which are prejudicial to Singapore's interests.
And if we look at the history behind these Traitors, we see that they have long been agitating against National Service, and saying that Singapore does not need such a strong armed forces.
You can have differing opinions based in facts when it comes to domestic and internal issues. That is your right, and to be expected.
But when you collaborate with foreign powers to undermine Singapore and her interests as a nation, then you are a Traitor in all sense of the word.
Here is a post written by Mark Farha Kon (via FB) that provides much food for thought on the need for NS and a strong SAF.
==================================================
By Mark Farha Kon via FB, 27 Nov 2015.
I'm no warfighter. I think many of us serving our two years in the army aren't. But I know of a good number of people who, at moment's notice, are more than willing to get up, put on their Full Battle Order, and defend Singapore.
Because we know what is at stake. Because we know that the peace we enjoy is not free. Because we know how much blood sweat and tears was poured into the building of this miracle nation.
When we leave home everyday and tell our family we love them, we look in their eyes and we know what we fight for, what we defend. We know we have the luxury of coming back home to a house intact, a family intact. Many people in war torn zones don't get this chance we take for granted.
When we walk past a mosque next to a temple next to a church, we know this is something completely inorganic. That it took and still takes effort, understanding, racial harmony, to enjoy such things as non-event.
You type from your office chair in your 8-5 job in your air conditioned room, which you drove to in your air conditioned car, and mock the preparedness of the SAF in the event an incursion occurs.
But you forget, not everybody passed out a lance corporal like you, unfulfilled and bitter that the government "stole" two years of your life. And whilst everybody counted down to their ORD the same way you did, they didn't waste their two years lamenting the fact.
They learnt to accustom themselves to communal living, they lost their hair, wore the same number 4 as everyone else, ran in the same PT kit as everyone else, and learnt that in the army, there was no strata. The bungalow kid and the HDB kid all slept on the same beds, ate the same food, got punished all the same. Army was and still is the great equalizer.
Then some went on to go through 9 months of vigorous training, many attritioning throughout the course. Those that made it, we call them officers. Others went on to don three chevrons, spending 6 months in the grueling hell they call Specialist Cadet School. Most get sent to the Infantry Regiments, 1 to 9 SIR as riflemen, and as they say, life for them is 2 years of Tekong. Not to forget those that got sent to commandos, guards, naval diver unit. They all became more comfortable in the humid forest, drenched in perspiration, long 4 covered in mud, than you ever will be in your crisp white shirt and business pants.
And they all learned things you complainers and naysayers of the SAF never will : purpose, camaraderie, drive, determination, grit, sacrifice.
You pay 200 a month for a manicured gym to go to with towels provided, protein shake bars, steam and shower rooms. The jungle is their gym. Flipping tyres, running in the full heat of the sun.
You haven't seen the Master Warrant Officers who have badges so plentiful, they run out of space on their uniform to sew it on. The ones with ranger and guard tabs. The ones who went to America, trained as navy seals, and passed out navy seals. Yes, we have navy seals in Singapore, and they are Singaporean.
The ones who everyday, hold themselves to the highest standards in the execution of their jobs, because they know, they're not just doing a job for a pay : they're keeping Singapore safe.
So that naysayers like you who passed out lance corporal with neither testimony nor combat skills badge can mock the very system and organization that allows you the safety and peace of mind to even think of mocking them.
I know these soldiers, I know these men, I've seen these enciks. They might drink beer and talk nonsense while off duty, and you dismiss and discount them, but inside they possess the grit you never will. They are proud to be part of the SAF, and their stories, scars and experiences they will forever carry with them as badges of honor. They've done much and gone through much worth remembering, i can't say the same for you complainers.
A Master Warrant Officer who is a special ops commando once told me this : "why 国家 and not 家国? Because if there is no country, can you even have a home?"
These people who do, and not just talk, have all my respect.
Yours sincerely, a clerk in the SAF.
By Mark Farha Kon via FB, 27 Nov 2015.
==================================================
Read more here:
Media reports
TODAY: 29 Nov 2016 - Singapore troop carriers should be 'melted down': The Global Times
The Straits Times: 29 Nov 2016 - Made-in-Singapore Terrex a key addition to SAF
The Straits Times: 25 Nov 2016 - SAF armoured vehicles seized at Hong Kong port
Opinions
Mothership.Sg: Are we being “bullied” into submission by China over this Terrex incident?
Unscrambled.Sg: What’s the deal with China holding our military vehicles? Bilahari Kausikan explains
