By Invitation

Ukraine's lessons in total defence for Singapore

The horrors of Russia's invasion and the Ukrainians' response drive home vividly the vital role of national resilience

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In January 1984, then Defence Minister Goh Chok Tong told Singaporeans that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) was not sufficient to defend the security of Singaporeans and their families.

Mr Goh said: "You, therefore, have a role to play - you, your wife or husband and your children. You too are responsible to look after your family and your friends and neighbours. Any potential aggressor must not just fight against our bullets, but also our whole people. Our defence must be total."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 02, 2022, with the headline Ukraine's lessons in total defence for Singapore. Subscribe