Friday 28 July 2017

There was a time when the whole Singapore army was mobilized against a potential threat to our security



On 9th August 1991, Singapore celebrated National Day at the National Stadium with great joy.

Unknown to us, the Singapore army had also been mobilized that day on a very large scale against a potential threat to our security.

While the National Day celebration was taking place at the National Stadium, 20km away from Woodlands, a joint exercise was taking place between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Codenamed “Pukul Habis”, it means total wipeout in Malay.

The official military exercise name was “Malindo Darasa 3AB”.  Darasa means air, sea and land.

Apparently the whole purpose of that exercise was to test the cooperation and response between Malaysia and Indonesia in case a neighbouring country turned hostile. 

Taking place just 20km away from Woodlands, it does not take much imagination to know which country the neighbouring country referred to. 

The timing of the joint exercise


The exercise was timed to take place on our National Day, when the baton had only recently been handed over by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to Mr Goh Chok Tong. It was Mr Goh Chok Tong's first parade as Prime Minister., 

The joint exercise between Malaysia and Indonesia involved 300 paratroopers in the airborne assault in Kota Tinggi, Southern Johore. There were also live firing. 

Singapore's response




Mindef responded with a massive mobilization that saw thousands of NS men called back. Live ammo and new weapons were distributed. Armour and artillery assets were also deployed to staging areas.

Some soldiers were mobilized to sit along the edges of the Malaysian railway in Tanjong Pagar with live ammo. Live mines were also planted around Singapore. 

The nature of the joint exercise was provocative. The day passed without any incident. And Singaporeans remained blissfully unaware.

You could say the joint exercise between Malaysia and Indonesia was also a test of our response - how prepared we were and how fast we could respond to a potential threat. You could say that the timing of the exercise was a test of the leadership transition process from the Old Guards to the second generation leadership. 

Our founding prime minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew had this to say in Hard Truths:


On our National Day, 9 August 1991, The Malaysian and the Indonesian armed forces held joint exercises at Kota Tinggi with parachute drops. Hence we mobilized our forces, in addition to forces parading for the National Day celebrations. I did not think they would invade us, but they wanted to intimidate us and con us, so that we know our place at the bottom of the pecking order in the region.  
We need a study, strong and capable SAF, not only to defend Singapore but return blow for blow when necessary. If we do not have this strong SAF, we are vulnerable to all kinds of pressures, from both Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Our forefathers lay every foundation for our survival. This includes building an army that is a real deterrence to potential threats. 

Our security is our own responsibility 

Foolish politicians like Chee Soon Juan who called for a drastic cut in defence spending are the enemies we have within, always trying to undermine our ability to defend ourselves.



20 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. Use money and buy hosting site, people complain waste money because got free platform. Use free platform, people complain say why never use paid hosting platforms. Do, complain. Don’t do also complain. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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  3. Just a 300 paratroopers exercise n they have to mobilize the whole SAF?!?

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    1. 1 of their para is equivalent to one company of our NS guys...
      U do the math

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    2. always ready ready to strike

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  4. The paratroopers were just part of their exercise. There were land, air and sea manoeuvres as well.

    It's good Singapore showed it's bullies we are not to be taken for granted.

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  5. I agree totally with the author on putting SG's sovereignty as the utmost important.

    The last part on attacking CSJ is uncalled for though, as it dilutes the focus of the article and should be addressed separately. All Singaporeans should stay united regardless of party interest when coming to national security.

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  6. You guys should be appreciative that we Singaporean stand together in times like this.Imagine if we are not prepared and something worst happen, do you think you will be here to complain about petty issues.

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  7. Hahahahah now saf and spf selection is to take in kuniangs. Little india riot..spf call papa mama..hahahahaha

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  8. Stop being so patriotic. The day i went into Ns full of patriotism, i saw the real Singapore. People inside there were not there to do the job but just to go through the motion and get their $$$..no one is wanting to help develop soldiers or policeman in saf or spf. Wake up

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  9. "And Singaporeans remained blissfully unaware."

    Why would Singaporeans not be aware when Singaporeans men are the ones activated? And I might be off topic here, but there's a general stigma against NS. Servicemen are just not respected here in Singapore. Hope that will change.

    - Sinkie male here, serving In combat unit as a commander for 10 yrs and counting...

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  10. When making comments +/- pls remember your parents, siblings, spouses, children, relatives, friends n your fellow Singaporeans around you!

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  11. We must constantly upgrade our arm force, land, sea n air. To do that we have to do well in our economy,so that enough is put into defence.

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  12. I don't understand why the griping is all about. They conduct a joint exercise near SGP border, WHY? ( Even kids can figure this out.) And did it on SGP National Day Celebration.. No further explanation needed right? Unless one is really dump.. And as a very good leader the response was very appropriate, totally ready, and still peaceful and calm.. Remember the rules of war.. 1) Always be prepared. 2) Do all means to make sure you win. 3) ....

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  13. We stand ready to defend OUR Singapore. Be real, we have hostile neighbours.

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  14. Should be “ Sturdy, strong and capable “

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  15. You may not take any external seriously until your love ones and family are threaten and it may than be too late. Wake up you slackers, it's your home that you are defending.

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  16. The day Singapore falls, no one gonna missed us. Good luck. Thank God for our SAF.

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  17. Even with the water intrusion last year, some Singaporeans still take our peace for granted

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  18. Don't even think of invading Singapore... We are quiet and peaceful but do not push us to the corner...
    Have you see a lion pushed to a corner and not bite? Because i haven't and i doubt you wanna try...

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