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SINGAPORE — Despite the Republic's small size, it cannot depend on others to rescue and defend it, even as skeptics argue that small countries should not waste the effort to protect themselves adequately, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Tuesday (Feb 7).
Pointing at the detainment of nine Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Terrex armoured vehicles by Hong Kong territories last November, Dr Ng, who was speaking at the launch of the NS50 campaign to mark 50 years of National Service (NS), said some had questioned if this would have happened if Singapore was a big country.
"We cannot change the fact that we are a small country, but today, after 50 years of NS, we have built an SAF capable of defending Singapore," said Dr Ng.
"From time to time, relations with other countries may not be completely smooth, but our relations with big powers like the US, China and India are fundementally sound and healthy," said the minister, adding that “the responsibility to defend Singapore ultimately rests on Singaporeans, and Singaporeans alone”.
This year, Singapore commemorates 50 years of NS and the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore in 1942.
On Tuesday, Dr Ng launched the year-long NS50 campaign, aimed at recognising the contributions of more than one million past and present national servicemen across the SAF, police and Singapore Civil Defence Force.
At the oath-taking ceremony for 100 new enlistees at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) in Pulau Tekong, Dr Ng also announced the launch of the NS50 recognition package for those who have performed or are serving their NS duties.
The package contains S$100 worth of vouchers for all servicemen. In addition, those serving, or have served, Operationally Ready National Service will get one-year membership to Safra or HomeTeamNS.
Dr Ng also officially opened the permanent NS Gallery at the BMTC, which recounts the history of the National Service. It is open for enlistees and their families when they visit.
Speaking to enlistees, their parents, as well as invited guests for the NS50 launch, Dr Ng said National Service has, over the past 50 years, "become an instituition through which Singaporean males define themselves in their formative years" and a "crucial period where close friends are made for life; where values and character are deeply forged".
"National Service is part of the Singaporean identity, part of being Singaporean," he added.