National Archives Library 13 JUL 1992 Release No.: 04/JUL 12-l/92/07/01

SPEECH BY DR LEE BOON , MINISTER FOR LABOUR AND SECONDMINISTER FOR DEFENCE, AT THE BUKIT TIMAH GROUP OF COMPANIES - SAP DAY RESERVIST REDEDICATION CEREMONY1992 HELD AT THE BUKIT TURF CLUB ON WEDNESDAY, 1 JULY 1992 AT 5.00 PM

First, let me thank the Bukit Timah Group of Companies, for organising this rededication ceremony. In 1988, the Bukit Timah Group pioneered the holding of combined reservist rededication ceremonies. It was a fine tradition. I am proud to note that for the past four years, reservists in this area, with their employers' support, have enthusiastically upheld this tradition.

For the past 25 years, National Servicemen and reservists have made invaluable contributions to the security and survival of . People like yourself, make up the first generation of National Servicemen who have made the SAF an integrated and credible defence force that it is today. It is a strong SAF that serves as a foundation for peace. It is this peace that has allowed Singapore to build our economy and to progress. l However, peace and security are not the natural order of things. You only have to watch the news to see how easily peace and security can break down: Kuwait, Algeria, Yugoslavia, and Lebanon. Kuwait is a stark reminder that peace and security come from deliberate effort to deter aggressors and the ability to convince them that they will pay a very heavy price for aggression.

What makes up this deterrence shield is not as obvious as it seems. It is not merely the size of our armed forces, but both the size and the quality; it is not just the technical superiority of our equipment, but how competent we are in using them; it is not how complete and thorough our mobilisation orders are, but the speed and efficiency with which they are 2 executed: it is not just the determination of our leaders, but the determination of every Singaporean that counts.

We cannot get the right organisation, the state of mind and heart in place overnight. This is why National Security is a long term commitment. It is not dependent on the current situation. We pursued this objective as soon as we became a separate and independent nation because we knew it was a matter of survival or extinction. Twenty-five years ago, we introduced National Service for male citizens. For 25 years, we have worked to put in place the complex organisation and hardware to defend Singapore. We also had to search for the right mix of men, equipment and operational concept that we are comfortable with.

But most important of all, these years gave us the headstart to rally Singaporeans behind the concept of Total Security - to signal to the rest of the world that for Singapore, National Security is not a superficial thing, but something that comes from the depth of our national consciousness.

Total Security includes : Development, Diplomacy, Deterrence and Defence. Development will ensue a stable, cohesive society; Diplomacy to ensure good relations and to make friends who will stand by us in times of trouble; Deterrence to discourage threats as much as possible; and a strong Defence in case threats turn to actual conflicts.

We are fortunate to be in a region where our neighbours are living in peace with one another. The security and stability of the region is an important factor in the economic dynamism of the Asia-Pacific. But it is important for Singaporeans not to be lulled into a false sense of security. Singapore’s security, survival and success have been the result of whole-hearted commitment to Total Defence. To forge ahead as a nation, we must continue to draw this commitment from reservists, their families and their employers.

I am glad that 200 reservists and their employers are gathered here today to declare once again your support and commitment to the defence of Singapore. Today, as we mark the through the pressure and challenges of the SAF’s first 25 years. The Nation thank you for your gift of peace and security.

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Labour/Mjul01‘92/Pgs.l-3 Cc: INFORMATIONS (8812:GVT224) From: INFORMATIONS (8812:GVT224) Subject: [Bukit Timah Group of Companies] Delivered: Mon 6-July-92 17:56 SING (54 lines)

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