"Singapore

Expect higher security spending amid rising threats: Heng Swee Keat

With Singapore facing its highest security threat in recent years, security spending will be “a very major item” on the Government's expenditure list and it is expected to increase, said Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Friday (Feb 2) after a visit to the Home Team Tactical Centre.

By Tang See Kit

02 Feb 2018 07:11PM(Updated: 02 Feb 2018 10:28PM)

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SINGAPORE: With Singapore facing its highest security threat in recent years, security spending will be “a very major item” on the Government's expenditure list and it is expected to increase, said Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Friday (Feb 2) after a visit to the Home Team Tactical Centre.

He added that it is important to “take action to prepare ourselves” and support the security agencies in keeping Singapore safe and secure.

From S$14.8 billion in FY2011, Singapore's security spending has increased steadily to S$19.5 billion in FY2016, according to data from the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The latter accounted for 4.7 per cent of Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP) and makes up about 27 per cent of total government spending, official figures showed.

When asked how much security spending could increase, Mr Heng declined to put a figure to it but noted that it is clearly an "important area to invest resources in".

To fund these expenditure increases, it will be crucial for the Government to do its long-term projections for expenditure and revenue. More details will be revealed in the Budget statement on Feb 19, he added."

I hv a BAD feeling any this signal sent by Minister Heng. While it is true the threat of unpredictable terrorist attacks has heightened, it is important to seriously dissect n data analyses:

1. r the current budget allocated well within the security area?;

2. hv all in-charge of such budget properly demonstrated that them had optimised the resources on hand n that additional resources r absolutely critical?;

3. what hv they done to optimise n prioritise the existing resources before asking for more?

4. how will they account to the parliament n the taxpayers in HOW they spend the "additional resources approved n given" n if the new spending r effective? I.e. they need to be able to MEASURE n report effectiveness monthly to the cabinet (n public if security secrecy is not at risk through this disclosure!)

Honestly there is NO LIMIT to the spending if we want to fight a phantom elusive, invisible n UNPREDICTABLE enemy! Better n cheaper to move to the next phase: "immediate containment of any terrorist attacks that HAPPENED!" e.g. damage control, salvage n recovery, n specific counter measures on whatever reasons/root causes identified!!

I dread the day of unlimited spending on security will come too soon!

Education n application of this education on rational thinking, counter strike against terrorists who had attacked us WILL be cheaper n much more effective.

Think abt it!! Peace to Sgp!!