Off-duty Police officer and SCDF Firefighter gave chase and apprehended suspects in case of rioting
On 23 October 2015 at about 11:30pm, off-duty police officer Staff Sergeant (SSGT) Muhammad Fareez bin Makmor had just picked up his girlfriend, paramedic Ms Nurul Fatin binte Naim from Yishun Fire Station after her shift. Whilst riding off on his motorcycle, they heard a commotion and saw a group of men running away, leaving behind a victim who was limping and bleeding from the head.
Concerned, SSGT Fareez immediately turned around while Ms Nurul, 22, quickly got off the motorcycle to administer first aid to the injured man. She said, “As a paramedic, it was second nature for me. I sat him down on the kerb and tried to stop the bleeding.” The injured man told SSGT Fareez that the group of unknown men had kicked and punched him. “I knew that I had to prevent the suspects from getting away as an assault had occurred”, said the 27-year-old officer from Bukit Timah Neighbourhood Police Centre.
Realising that he was outnumbered, SSGT Fareez decided to approach officers at the fire station for help. Without hesitation, 24-year-old Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) fire fighter Sergeant (SGT) Muhammad Khairi Bin Abdullah came to his aid. He hopped onto SSGT Fareez’s motorcycle and both officers gave chase.
The officers subsequently spotted two of the suspects along the main road of Yishun Avenue 2. SGT Khairi got off the motorcycle and started pursuing the suspects on foot while SSGT Fareez made a u-turn so he could intercept the path of the suspects from the front. SSGT Fareez managed to detain one of the suspects, while SGT Khairi managed to catch up and pin the second suspect down as well. Both suspects were arrested by responding police officers from Ang Mo Kio Division. 6 other subjects were subsequently arrested in relation to the case of rioting, and investigations are ongoing.
Reflecting on the incident, SCDF officer SGT Khairi said, “While chasing suspects is not something I’ve had experience with, I responded because help was needed. I feel a great sense of accomplishment in assisting with the arrest.” On why he decided to respond even though he was off-duty, SSGT Fareez said, “It was instinctive. As a police officer, I feel that it is my duty to protect the public and nab the suspects. Of course, I was able to do so with the help and cooperation from my Home Team colleagues and I am thankful for that.”
It has been my tremendous joy and privilege to serve you as your CO in the last 7 years, culminating this year at our ATEC 2 evaluation. Though we missed the REDCON 1 grading, I'm very proud to say that we have left a legacy for Battalions to aspire to.
Honestly, I was bitterly disappointed, likewise many of you. We would have never been disappointed if we did not believe. You believed. The depth of your disappointment demonstrates the depth of your commitment to the cause. You believed with your heart, mind and soul.
You were all in.
To put this in perspective, the REDCON 1 grading was only awarded in history to 3 active battalions, with 1st CDO Bn the ultimate example. No NS battalions have ever been awarded REDCON 1. To know that we came so close shows the impact you have made in our military history. The REDCON 1 grading, as it stands today, remains perhaps a bridge too far for NS Battalions with aging bodies and who come together only once a year for a short 2 weeks. Even full time battalions with young and conditioned soldiers could not achieve this "Gold" standard.
823 SIR, we are not at the pinnacle of readiness condition. This I can concede. This is not our day job. But you have given REDCON 1 a run for it's money. Yet, you have demonstrated something that even active battalions can only aspire to. You have heart, a REDCON 1 heart.
In my 26 years wearing the uniform, I've not experienced a battalion like 823 SIR. When we first came together 7 years ago, crafting our mission statement, we put in place the foundations of what 823 SIR would become.
Our mission statement as it stood then and stands now: One family with unwavering passion to excel in the protection of our home. Our emphasis was on "family".
If we would become a family, we would serve because we want to, not because we have to. This was the philosophy undergirding my leadership thinking throughout the last 7 years. We had an idea that if we emphasized relationship and care, we can obtain a greater buy-in than what we could achieve by mere military regimentation. We suspected that we will achieve something significant together. You have proven this. Again and again.
Some notable moments and awards 823 SIR has achieved:
The first and only Bn to turn operational in our 2nd year. Today NS Battalions turn operational in their 4th year.
Runners Up in the Army Half-Marathon Competition amongst NS Units. We were #1 in 2 PDF and our BDE.
Best Unit in Evaluation in 2014.
Best Unit in Safety in 2014.
Most Qualified Commanders Award in 2014.
You volunteered to form the marching contingent for our BDE for the DIV COMD COC, where more than 90% came from 823 SIR.
I am sure you will achieve so much more in the next 3 years before we MR.
I have been overwhelmed by the commitment of 823 SIR. We have commanders and men asking for medical upgrades so that they can participate in outfield exercises. We have men with expectant wives or newborns coming in for ICT. We have men who were married over the weekend showing up for ICT. We even had someone who had just overcome cancer coming outfield with us. We have men whose employers request for deferments but pleaded with me to reject their deferments. You have become an enigma to CHRC and all active personnel who handle administration. This can't be an NS unit! Perhaps a compliment you can be proud of is when commanders and men from other units doing MUT with us, write letters asking to be transferred to 823 SIR!
Personally, leading 823 SIR has made me a better leader. Being an officer of the SAF, the Officer's Creed has become even more real to me. The most significant portion is as follows: I am an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces. My duty is to lead, to excel and to overcome. I lead my men by example. I answer for their training, morale and discipline.
RSM and myself decided to identity with you as many of you went through the Combat Skills Badge qualification during your active time. And so we took on the challenge of qualifying for this at our ripe old age of 40+++. Throughout the CSB journey, I was constantly questioning myself if I really wanted to do this. Perhaps this was our baptism of fire that hardened our resolve to see 823 SIR succeed.
In the last 4 years, you have spurred me to achieve "Gold" in IPPT. As CO, this was to me a part of my commitment to leading you. The 4 years of unbroken IPPT Gold was the longest I have achieved in the SAF. This even coming at an age when it takes so much more.
This year's ICT has been the most fulfilling. Walking around the Coy lines, I encounter ready smiles and greetings. I received salutes and compliments from commanders and men, at a frequency unheard of even in active battalions and training schools today. I hear joyful batter and laughter amongst brothers in arms. There was an atmosphere of freedom and willingness. I watched you put on your equipment and head out for training, there was no dragging of feet but only cheerful dispositions and determination to do well. Thinking of this right now brings a smile to my face.
COMMANDING
OFFICER: LTC (NS) Darren Tan (front) places emphasis on bonding and
teamwork. - See more at:
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/extraordinary-morale-ns-unit?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#sthash.wjZCblG0.dpuf
COMMANDING OFFICER: LTC (NS) Darren Tan (front) places emphasis on bonding and teamwork.
COMMANDING
OFFICER: LTC (NS) Darren Tan (front) places emphasis on bonding and
teamwork. - See more at:
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/extraordinary-morale-ns-unit?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#sthash.wjZCblG0.dpuf
I remember the day we moved out for our last combat exercise together as a battalion. You were decked out in war paint loaded up onto the military vehicles. My heart swelled with pride. I was thoroughly enjoying each moment. Later, a well-meaning officer from another unit remarked that we shouldn't have applied our camo so early. I thought in my heart, you don't know my 823, we wouldn't want it any other way.
The whole exercise, over the course of 4 days, was the most fulfilling exercise I have ever participated in. You were ready for anything thrown at you. Much of the exercise play and ground conditions presented dilemmas to you but you met each challenge with a great attitude and dogged determination. The example of note was when the whole battalion helped fill sandbags for Delta Coy when she was called away on a Frag-O mission. The final battle demonstrated your resilience, that nearing the end of 4 exhausting days, you were up to the task and defeated the enemy thrown into your sectors.
The Bn HQ functioned like a well-oiled machine. The performance during the final battle can only be described as a symphony, with each cell working in tandem to provide updates and execute orders. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Alas, despite all your heart and commitment, REDCON 1 remained elusive. Because we aimed for the stars, 823 you have reached the moon. This has been our destiny and this will be our legacy. I doubt that I will ever command a finer battalion. You will forever remain in my heart as the best of the best.
You have distinguished yourselves and you can always hold your head up high. The story of 823 will be told to your families and generations of soldiers entering NS in the days to come. I wish each one of you the very best in your families, careers and health.
God bless always.
Darren Tan
CO 823 SIR
================================================
This account by the CO of 823 SIR is remarkable and inspirational.
The amount of effort that has to put in by the Officers and Specs of the unit in order to build up to such an admirable level of cohesion and commitment is truly amazing, herculean even.
And the response from the men are equally astounding, even unbelievable if this had not be collaborated by the comments found on the CO's facebook post.
"We have commanders and men asking for medical upgrades so that they can participate in outfield exercises.
We have men with expectant wives or newborns coming in for ICT. We have men who were married over the weekend showing up for ICT.
We even had someone who had just overcome cancer coming outfield with us. We have men whose employers request for deferments but pleaded with me to reject their deferments."
Anyone who's ever had to managed a NS battalion knows that such events as describe above are a rarity, perhaps more likely in the realm of impossibility. Heard of but never seen in real life like the Loch Ness Monster. Macham like win toto liddat.
When you are faced with three hundred or so men who have been called away from their families, loved ones and careers, it's not always an easy or pleasant task. Not everyone is as patriotic. Not everyone sees their reservist time as serving a larger noble cause. Not everyone likes it. Some just downright hate it.
I've been with 2 different NS units and I know how hard it is just to keep the men generally satisfied with the training program and logistics.
Mr Tan, Sir you are simply amazing.
The SAF should really work with you and your men to find out exactly what you did right and try to spread it to the other NS units.
But there is one thing that 823 SIR has certainly shown us, is that when you have men that are deeply committed to each other like family, nothing can stop them.
Update: Here is a screen-cap of the comments on the CO's post (as of 8 Dec 15)
In the age where social media spreads news, both good and bad, like wild-fire; and the ease at which the facts of a situation could be just as easily verified or debunked by third parties, it does seem like common sense NOT to make up things, especially so if you are aspiring to be a politician.
It would seem that Bernard Chen, WP's candidate for MacPherson SMC in GE2015, has been caught out trying to give the impression that he visited a charity organization when he actually didn't.
"Mr Chen, thank you for tagging us in your Facebook. Your presence at the walkway in front of our Senior Activity Centre at Blk 98 Aljunied Crescent before the General Elections 2015 via the sharing of your archived photo is noted.
WP's Bernard Chen's misleading FB post out-ed by charity organization.
Apparently the charity is unhappy with Bernard for posting an old photo
implying that he had visited them on Sunday when he didn't.
Mr Chen must really be feeling that burn.. because the post and the pictures don't seem to be on his facebook account anymore.
Oh and in other squeaky news... WP has a "GE2015 candidates' lunch get-together at JJ's place" without some of their former MPs.
In GE 2015, MacPherson SMC saw a three-cornered fight
between
(1) NSP’s Mr Cheo “new Mothers are a Weakness” Chai Chen
(2) PAP’s Tin “Kate spade” Pei Ling
(3) WP's Bernard “Thanks for tagging us” Chen
Tin Pei Ling won handsdown.
Lee Li Lian stood as a WP candidate for Punggol East SMC where it was widely expected that WP would hold on to that seat. However, Lee lost the seat to PAP's Charles Chong. The Punggol East seat is the PAP's closest win for SMCs.
The Elections Department had declared Lee Li Lian as one of the elected as Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) but she has publicly said that she will not take up NCMP post. WP released a statement of its own shortly after, saying the party's leadership backed Ms Lee's decision not to take up the seat.
Since GE2015, what else has the SDP Chief been up to, apart from taking a walk around Singapore?
Nothing new really. He's been rehashing the same old tired lies as new material for a "shocking" expose of what PAP is doing to Singapore.
On 19 Nov 2015, Chee SJ warns us in a FB post of the "serious" situation that Singapore is in due to its private debt levels. While referring to a previous SDP article, he quotes a single graph from the Economist and says:
"I cited the record debt of Singaporeans as one of the problems. This week, The Economist reported that Singapore's private debt among the emerging markets is the highest at 250% of GDP. As I said, we need a serious and urgent scrutiny of where PAP is taking Singapore...."
Chee's post is, at best, misleading and intended to give his readers and supporters an impression that there are aspects about Singapore and its governance that is wanting.
At worst, Chee is lying through his teeth again and attempting to selectively quote out of context to support his lies.
So is Singapore really in trouble over its private debt? Is there any basis to support Chee's claim?
Let's see what else the Economist article says.
"Growing debt in emerging markets is not of itself something to worry about. It may be that savings are getting into local capital markets more effectively or that there are more, better investment opportunities...."
"...The most highly indebted emerging markets, such as China, South Korea,
Singapore and perhaps Thailand, mostly fall into Mr Pradhan’s second
category. They are unlikely to suffer an abrupt crash brought on by
capital flight; most of them have formidable defences against a
balance-of-payments crisis..."
What do others say about Singapore's high private debt levels?
"... Singapore’s real economic debt has increased by a staggering 162 percentage points, amounting to a debt-to-GDP ratio of 382 percent—almost as high as Japan’s 400 percent, topping the list. However, Singapore’s unusually high debt-to-GDP ratio does not signal imminent danger.
The Southeast Asian city state is a major business hub, and the high debt being raised by (foreign) corporations is used to fund operations across the region. Earnings in other countries support such debt...."
"... For some nations, an unusually high debt-to-GDP ratio does not signal imminent danger. These are places that serve as business and financial hubs. The high level of financial-sector and corporate debt that results may or may not involve heightened risks.
Singapore and Ireland, for example, have tax regimes and other regulations that make them attractive for locating operations of global corporations. The debt incurred by these entities is used to fund activities in other nations, so its relationship to the host country’s GDP is not indicative of risk.
As a major business hub, Singapore has the highest ratio of non‑financial corporate debt in the world, at 201 percent of GDP in 2014, almost twice the level of 2007. However nearly two-thirds of companies with more than $1 billion in revenue in Singapore are foreign subsidiaries. Many of them raise debt in Singapore to fund business operations across the region, and this debt is supported by earnings in other countries.
Singapore has very high financial-sector debt as well (246 percent of GDP), reflecting the presence of many foreign banks and other financial institutions that have set up regional headquarters there...."
So is this really a dark, scandalous secret that the Singapore PAP Government is hiding from her citizens? Is Chee really pulling back the curtains on a corrupt government, or is Chee actually pulling the wool over his readers and supporter's eyes? Contrast what these various publications are saying against what Chee is claiming. Do you still think Chee is telling the truth or simply trying to lie and deceive you?
Look at it another way - International bankers and investors are not stupid and gullible. They will do their own homework and will seek out safe markets where their cash and investments can be safe and make them money. Do you really think that these investors would not be astute enough to see pass any govt propaganda that attempts to window-dress the situation and assess the the actual state of the economy for themselves? And how about the fact that so many publications give a similar explanation for the high private debt. Do you really think that these international publications would gamble with their reputations and put up a poorly researched article? Would these publications stand to gain by simply publishing "propaganda" from the Singapore government, or actually lose more by doing so?
Or it is more likely that Chee has more to gain politically from propagating his lies to Singaporeans?
As Chee sufficiently put it himself. Reputation is temporary. Character is permanent. Chee has been, and always will be a liar.
But guess what, you don't have to believe me. Just do your own research and decide the facts for yourself.
President Obama met PM Lee Hsien Loong one on one at the 10th East Asia Summit. After the meeting, the President said: --
"I think around the world people admire the incredible progress that Singapore has made in creating prosperity and opportunity for its people and for being an excellent international partner. And here at ASEAN, and previously at APEC, I think we’ve seen that although Singapore does not have a large population, it punches above its weight because of its wise policies and ability to work with all countries."
President Obama
Here are the full Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the Republic of Singapore After Bilateral Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 22 Nov 2015.
PRESIDENT OBAMA:
Well, it’s a great pleasure to spend some time with
Prime Minister Lee and the delegation from Singapore as Singapore
celebrates 50 years. And as the relationship between the United States
and Singapore moves into its 50th year, it is wonderful to report that
the state of our bilateral relationship is very, very strong.
I think around the world people admire the incredible progress that
Singapore has made in creating prosperity and opportunity for its people
and for being an excellent international partner. And here at ASEAN,
and previously at APEC, I think we’ve seen that although Singapore does
not have a large population, it punches above its weight because of its
wise policies and ability to work with all countries.
Prime Minister Lee and I have now been able to discuss a wide range of
issues, many of them that were echoed during the EAS Summit. We
expressed concern about the work we need to do together to counter ISIL
and to improve our intelligence and counterterrorism efforts.
We talked about the South China Sea and the importance of upholding the
basic principles and norms that have underwritten prosperity and
stability in this region for many, many years. We are two of the
countries that helped to get TPP over the finish line, and we are both
excited about prospects for the creation of jobs and new businesses and
new opportunity in both our countries.
And we discussed a wide range of
multilateral issues, such as climate change, that are going to require
the support of large countries and small if we’re going to be able to
succeed.
So I want to thank the Prime Minister for the excellent cooperation
that we have between our two countries. We’re looking to build on it in
the future. And as Prime Minister Lee mentioned before the press
walked in, one of my goals as President has been to show the consistent
engagement of the United States in this region, and it’s made much
easier when we know we’ve got outstanding partners like Singapore.
So thank you very much.
PRIME MINISTER LEE:
I thank President Obama for making time for this
meeting with my delegation. We discussed what President Obama has
described to you. The point that I made to the President was that the
countries in this region all appreciate America’s engagement and
participation in the region, its contribution economically, and security
issues in terms of the overall strategic balance.
And what matters most to the countries is to know that this will be
maintained. The President himself has made six trips to this region,
every year attending the ASEAN meeting. And that’s greatly appreciated.
And it’s important to know that this will continue beyond November
2016.
The President said, well, it depends who wins the next election.
But whoever wins the next election, America has interests in this
region, which are enduring and which are worthy of attention and focus
to advance them and to continue to be a constructive and strategic
player in Asia for many years to come.
In light of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, this article shows how clearly LKY analysed the root cause of the problem and what he thought should be the most effective approach to dealing with terrorism. ===================================================
By Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek, 30 Nov 2003
Richard Nixon once remarked that had Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew lived in a different country in a different time, he would have achieved the status of a major historical figure--a Churchill, Disraeli or Gladstone. Lee recently turned 80, having for 45 years carefully observed international trends and maneuvered to keep his city-state secure and prosperous.
While in Singapore last week, I asked him what he made of the European-American divide so evident in London.
"The Europeans underestimate the problem of Al Qaeda-style terrorism," he said. "They think that the United States is exaggerating the threat. They compare it to their own many experiences with terror--the IRA, the Red Brigade, the Baader-Meinhof, ETA. But they are wrong."
He went on:
"Al Qaeda-style terrorism is new and unique because it is global. An event in Morocco can excite the passions of extremist groups in Indonesia. There is a shared fanatical zealousness among these different extremists around the world. Many Europeans think they can finesse the problem, that if they don't upset Muslim countries and treat Muslims well, the terrorists won't target them. But look at Southeast Asia.
Muslims have prospered here. But still, Muslim terrorism and militancy have infected them."
Lee pointed out that Singapore and Thailand have both been targeted in recent years, though neither has mistreated its Muslim populations.
"The Americans, however, make the mistake of seeking largely a military solution. You must use force. But force will only deal with the tip of the problem. In killing the terrorists, you will only kill the worker bees. The queen bees are the preachers, who teach a deviant form of Islam in schools and Islamic centers, who capture and twist the minds of the young."
Lee pointed to the trial of Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, one of the plotters of the Bali bombing, sentenced to death by an Indonesian court. On hearing the sentence he said, "I'll be happy to die a martyr. After me there will be a million Amrozis."
Lee contrasted Amrozi with the charismatic religious leader Abu Bakar Bashir, spiritual head of Jemaah Islamiah, the group that many of the Bali bombers belonged to.
"Men like Bashir are the real force behind the terror," said Lee. "It is Bashir who churns out these kinds of people. But he was acquitted on the serious charges and was convicted on minor offenses for a four-year term."
I asked Lee how to handle this broader problem.
"Well, America can't do it alone," he said. "You can't go into the mosques, Islamic centers and madrassas. We don't have any standing as non-Muslims. Barging in will create havoc. Only Muslims can win this struggle. Moderate, modernizing Muslims, political, religious, civic leaders together have to make the case against the fundamentalists. But the strong, developed countries can help. The NATO allies must, as they did during the cold war, present a solid block. Muslim modernizers must feel that the U.S. and its allies will provide the resources, energy and support to make them winners. No one wants to be on the losing side."
Lee was critical of both sides of the Atlantic alliance on Iraq.
"When America and Europe are divided, when Japan is hesitant, the extremists are emboldened and think they can win against a divided group. The terrorists' tactics for the time being are to hit only Americans, Jews and America's strong supporters, the British, the Italians, the Turks, warning the Japanese but leaving others alone. They intend to divide and conquer."
In an essay in Forbes last May, Lee criticized France and Germany for continuing to publicly oppose the United States over Iraq.
"They help Islamic extremists recruit more terrorists," he wrote. But he then urged Washington to use the United Nations, predicting (accurately) that "if the U.N. is not involved in postwar Iraq, Islamic extremists will exploit what will be portrayed as an American-British colonial occupation of Iraq. If, on the other hand, the Atlantic allies get their act together in the United Nations, it will signal to the world that they have set aside their differences to work for a higher cause--that of bringing peace and stability to the Mideast."
I asked Lee what to do in Iraq.
"Iraq has become a test of American perseverance," he said. "You must see it through, and I believe that you will. It is related to the larger struggle. You must put in place moderates who can create a modern society. If you walk away from Iraq, the jihadis will follow you wherever you go. You may think you've left them behind, but they will pursue you. Their ambitions are not confined to any one territory or people."
On 16 Nov 2015, our neighbours in JB experienced a storm due to the annual northeast monsoon. The two-hour long heavy rains resulted in severe flash floods right in the heart of JB town.
Severe flash floods in the heart of JB (FiveStarsAndAMoon)
Severe flash floods in the heart of JB (Fabrications About The PAP)
Ironically, in the previous months JB had been experiencing a dry spell which has resulted in the water level of Johor's Linggiu Reservoir dropping down to a historic low.
According to the Straits Times report, the reservoir is at about 43% capacity. And many parts of Johore are already being subjected to water rationing.
Picture from Masagos Zulkifli Minister, Environment and Water Resources
So what has all this got to do with Singapore?
Well, first of all, the Linggiu Reservoir regulates the flow of Johor River, from which Singapore and Johor draw water for treatment. So if the Reservoir runs out of water, Singapore would lose a part of its water supply.
But wait, wasn't there a flood in JB? Should the storm have at least filled up the reservoir a little?
Well, the answer is no, it didn't. The heavy rains that caused the JB floods had little impact on the reservoir's water levels.
"The heavy rain and subsequent floods in JB are in a different catchment area from the Linggiu Reservoir, which is further upstream," a PUB spokesman told The Straits Times yesterday. "While there has been some rain in the Linggiu Reservoir catchment, the water levels remain largely the same, at around 43 per cent."
In other words, all that rainfall in JB was "lost" to the sea instead of being diverted and captured in their reservoirs.
But how come Singapore hasn't been subjected to water rationing like JB? Don't we get most of our water from Malaysia?
Well, this article will shed some light on the mystery.
In a nutshell, we have been described as a "giant sponge" that soaks up all the rain water we get and channel them into our own reservoirs. This together with an almost obsessive building up of reservoirs and catchment areas, and reclaiming sewage water with the NEWater technology, is providing Singapore with a substantial hedge against drought.
And all this wouldn't have been possible if Singapore hadn't taken a long term approach to invest and build up her self-sufficiency in water.
NEWater plant. Photo: PUB
As to why Singapore could do this, and Malaysia couldn't, well, I leave it to the readers to discern for themselves.
