I KEEP seeing those SAF jets zooming across our skies these few weeks. Do you know why? Those jets are impressively loud, aren’t they? They’re prepping for the National Day Parade flypast come 9 August. It’ll be a big one; this NDP marks 40 years of Total Defence.
Why have we kept this Total Defence policy these 40 years? Frankly, Singapore will always face threats on multiple fronts. We cannot expect that anyone will come to our aid. That’s why Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad goes around Singapore speaking with people young and old on just how important Total Defence remains.
Isn’t Total Defence just for the army? Total Defence isn’t just for the military. Everyone can contribute on fronts like economic, social and psychological defence.
This means that different sectors need to work together? Correct. And this in turn means that SMS Zaqy doesn’t only work with the SAF about Total Defence. He’s talked to CEOs to have companies support major exercises like Exercise SG Ready. He’s advocated in Parliament for more support to keep Total Defence up-to-date and effective.
All good. But what is SMS Zaqy doing on the ground with ordinary people for Total Defence then? Plenty. Just one example: residents can tell you how he’s a major part of organising Total Defence events in the neighbourhood, demonstrating how local business owners, community leaders and even students can do their part to keep Singapore resilient and ready.
What else does SMS Zaqy champion? He’s helped lower-wage workers get better pay and prospects these past few years with his Alliance for Action. He’s also a champion of Raikan Ilmu, the Malay-Muslim community’s annual celebration to embrace lifelong learning.
What does SMS Zaqy say about his cause? “For the past 40 years, Total Defence has been an effective whole-of-society approach to deal with crises and threats. This is not something that can be mustered in an instant. We must cultivate this continually, even as we experience peace and stability.”
Alright, let’s work at being resilient and ready, together.
