I am in favor of a strong defence. But it has to be "defence". It does not justify overspending on military to be perceived by others as "aggression".
Some people take the current dispute with Malaysia as the justification for the high spending (about $15 billion a year) on defence. This is more than twice the sum that Malaysia spends a year to cover a land area that is 450 times of Singapore.
Do we really need to spend so much for "defence"?
It is clear that we have a superior military capability than Malaysia. That is why are de-escalating the tension over the disputed waters.
But does it really solve the dispute? The follow through is a ban on vegetables, fish and eggs for a few months in a year. It may be increased. But I hope that it will be reduced.
Can a strong military defence ensure the continued supply of these fresh food items?
It is clear that a strong military capability, one that is far stronger than the neighboring countries, does not solve the problem.
The people will have to pay a high price for the excessive military spending in the first place, and for the economic consequences of a strong military posture, i.e. the high prices that follow through other retaliatory measures, such as disruption of food supplies.
I advocate negotiation, backed by an adequate military capability. I do not advocate superior military strength that others may perceive as "aggression".
I speak for the future good of Singapore. This is my view. It does not justify warmongers to label me as being "disloyal" or acting out of self interest.
Some people take the current dispute with Malaysia as the justification for the high spending (about $15 billion a year) on defence. This is more than twice the sum that Malaysia spends a year to cover a land area that is 450 times of Singapore.
Do we really need to spend so much for "defence"?
It is clear that we have a superior military capability than Malaysia. That is why are de-escalating the tension over the disputed waters.
But does it really solve the dispute? The follow through is a ban on vegetables, fish and eggs for a few months in a year. It may be increased. But I hope that it will be reduced.
Can a strong military defence ensure the continued supply of these fresh food items?
It is clear that a strong military capability, one that is far stronger than the neighboring countries, does not solve the problem.
The people will have to pay a high price for the excessive military spending in the first place, and for the economic consequences of a strong military posture, i.e. the high prices that follow through other retaliatory measures, such as disruption of food supplies.
I advocate negotiation, backed by an adequate military capability. I do not advocate superior military strength that others may perceive as "aggression".
I speak for the future good of Singapore. This is my view. It does not justify warmongers to label me as being "disloyal" or acting out of self interest.
Tan Kin Lian
2 comments:
PM Lee and his greenhouse bred Ministers should listen to ex PM Goh on how to deal with DR M, Goh has learnt well on how best to deal with Tun.
Provoking Tun with hardball statements dun work, the petty old fox would find ways to hit back, and make life difficult for Singaporeans, already we are struggling with high living costs.
You would be surprised that Tun holding grudges against the 15m compensation on the HSR delay, we could afford to spend billions on defence, billions on mega projects, billions of investment losses, but still quibble over the peanuty S$15m. This time Tun dun ask us for financial help, just show some neighbourly concern, yet our Govt dun even offer a finger to help, if you talk about principles, international Law, Tun would ask us to fly kite.
The reason why the over spending and advanced weaponry is becoz S'pore strategy relies on deterrence and if cannot, then invasion & fighting on enemy soil or seas/air space. I.e. our defense is based on offense. The 1st generation of pap already know that we can't fight a war within S'pore, based on ww2 experience.
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