Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat just announced in his budget speech that the government will spend 30% of expenditure on defence.
Earlier, Heng noted the “occasional differences” Singapore has with its neighbours, the fact that many regional nations are advancing technologically, and the fact that the threat of terrorism remains high.
Highlighting Singapore’s approach to defence with diplomacy, Heng noted that the Singapore Armed Forces lends weight to diplomacy while other pillars of security like the Home Team and the Cyber Security Agency also play their part in protecting the nation.
Heng also spoke about National Service saying that it had “forged a deep understanding” among Singaporeans that everyone has a duty to defend Singapore.
He added:Â “As a people, we must have the psychological and emotional resilience to face crises stoically.”
Calling the spending on defence “significant but indispensable,” Heng said that this expenditure may rise in the future if the need arises: “This spending is significant, but indispensable. We will invest more, if the need arises.”
This article is part of The Independent’s Budget 2019 coverage. Please send your feedback and enquiries to news@theindependent.sg.