Dr Ng Eng Hen’s ‘Total Defence’

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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‘The Singaporeans’ collective spirit and unity against any challenge are what defines Total Defence and ensure Singaporeans can live securely and progress.’ These were the comments made by the Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Saturday at the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event at the National Museum of Singapore. He recounted numerous stories of the Singaporean’s who were survivors of the Japanese Occupation during the Second World War and victims of Konfrontasi.

One story narrated about Mr L M Mani, who survived the Second World War and then subsequently became a volunteer against the Konfrantasi campaign. Dr Ng said their life stories remind people of the heavy price they had to pay and the price it will have to pay if Singapore is unable to defend itself. ‘We should all listen carefully to their stories. Their life stories are cautionary tales that remind us of the heavy price of not being able to defend our country,’ he said.

The Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen also launched a book titled “Because You Played A Part”, which features the stories of almost 30 ordinary Singaporeans who contributed to Total Defence. Total Defence Day is held annually on the 15^thof February to mark the day Singapore fell to the Japanese during the Second World War in 1942. Meanwhile, the civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation were also remembered at the memorial service this Saturday. This service at the War Memorial Park is held on the 15^th of February, every year.