Terror threat real, Singapore must stay alert




Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said yesterday that the discovery of a terror cell here is a strong signal that Singapore cannot let its guard down.

Singapore could well have been one of the group's targets, he noted.

"They were prepared to attack anywhere," he said. "If they had been directed to attack in Singapore, they would have attacked in Singapore."

His comments come a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that eight Bangladeshi workers were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) late last month for plotting terror attacks back in their country.

The men had called their group Islamic State in Bangladesh (ISB), and had a list of targets and bomb-making manuals, and raised funds to buy firearms. Mr Shanmugam said: "You and I don't go in search of these things and collect money, identify people you are going to target, so there is concern."

Speaking to reporters yesterday before a closed-door forum on religious extremism at Temasek Polytechnic, he noted that the latest arrests, along with recent attacks in Paris and Jakarta, showed the terror threat is serious and that it is here to stay.

There are at least two more ISB members in Bangladesh. Mr Shanmugam said the fate of those men depended on the Bangladeshi authorities, adding that the Government was cooperating with them.

Yesterday, MHA also revealed that the eight men, who are aged between 26 and 34, were arrested between late March and early April, and given two-year detention orders in late April.

All had worked here for between three and 10 years, and when they first came to work, were not known to be radicalised or involved in terrorism-related activities.

The group's leader, Rahman Mizanur, 31, worked as a draftsman in a local construction firm, and had worked on and off in Singapore since 2007. He returned here last December, and there was no information to suggest that he had radicalised views.

MHA also named the five other Bangladeshi nationals picked up in the case. They were not involved in ISB, but owned or spread jihadi-related materials, or promoted armed violence. All five have been deported, and arrested in Dhaka. They are: Evan Galib Hassan Chowdhury, Rana Masud, Pailot Md Rana Miea, Islam Tanjemul and Alomgir Md.

MHA said the ISB members had met largely in open parks or fields.

They are still under investigation, and are not known to have acted on plans to buy firearms yet, it added.

"Several of them are liable to be prosecuted for terrorism financing. Investigations are still ongoing and we are not able to comment further on this matter," the ministry said.

The ISB is the first group comprising all foreigners to be detained under the ISA for terrorism-related activities in Singapore.

There are 23 people currently detained under the ISA for terror activities. The other 15 are Singaporeans.

MHA stressed that there was "no indication" that these ISB members were also part of the group of 27 Bangladeshi men arrested last year, all of whom have been deported.

Efforts to reach out to foreign workers have also been stepped up.

Yesterday, Mr Shanmugam rebutted comments from Singapore Democratic Party chief Chee Soon Juan, who told reporters in the morning that the arrests showed a need to tighten immigration policy.

Asking Dr Chee to clarify his position, Mr Shanmugam said Singaporeans would be affected if foreign workers were barred.

"These are serious matters, security issues. They require careful consideration, proper thought and I think, really, we should all just avoid taking cheap shots and political opportunism," he said.

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/shan...must-stay-alert

Singapore downselects helicopter contenders
Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
05 May 2016

Singapore has downselected Airbus and Leonardo-Finmeccanica to replace its ageing Aerospatiale AS332M Super Puma platforms, it was reported on 3 May.

Sources familiar with the details of the procurement said that both European manufacturers will compete for the requirement to provide a dozen new helicopters to replace the 18 Eurocopter Super Pumas that have been fielded by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) since 1985, the Reuters news agency said, adding that defence minister Ng Eng Hen noted a decision would be made "soon".

Neither company would comment to Reuters on the disclosure, but Airbus Helicopters could offer its recently relaunched H215/H215M (Super Puma), H225/H225M (already in service with the RSAF as the AS532 Cougar), or NH90 (Airbus Helicopters is the major stakeholder in the multinational programme); while Leonardo-Finmeccanica's chief medium-twin offering is the AgustaWestland AW149. While the company's AW159 Lynx Wildcat is available in both land- and sea-based configurations, it is probably too light to be considered for this particular requirement.

As noted by Reuters, the new helicopter would be required for both land- and sea-based applications, with the tender being worth some USD1 billion. No details about timelines were released.

Helicopter ferrying VIPs goes missing in Sarawak





http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/h...sing-in-sarawak

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/15962/Ind...ow#.VyvtsjilbHy

This post has been edited by azriel: May 6 2016, 09:09 AM

http://www.janes.com/article/59886/raytheo...th-synapsis-ibc

Singapore, Australia ink landmark pact to boost ties in security, trade and arts



SINGAPORE - Singapore and Australia have inked what has been hailed as a "landmark" pact that will boost ties, allowing both sides to cooperate more closely in security, trade, and the arts and culture.

Among the series of new agreements is a defence cooperation deal that will give Singapore troops access to more military areas to train Down Under for 25 years.

Both sides have also taken another look at their free trade agreement, signed in 2003, to increase trade and investment flows, strengthening Singapore's position as a trade partner as it becomes a hub for Australian businesses and service providers to tap on opportunities in Asia.

Companies in both countries will also be able to tap on a S$50million matching fund over five years to develop as part of efforts on both sides to boost science and innovation cooperation.

In addition, Singaporeans will also find it less of a chore to visit Australia as they will no longer have to apply for visas that are valid for only 12 months. Under the agreement, Australian authorities will grant multi-year visas.

Both governments announced the agreement on Friday (May 6), ahead of a scheduled visit to Australia by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the end of this month. But the trip has been postponed in view of a July 2 election that his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull is expected to call within the next week.

Mr Lee said in the press release: "I am delighted that we have concluded this landmark agreement with Australia. It is a win-win deal that will cement relations and benefit Australians and Singaporeans for years to come. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) is an ambitious package covering many aspects of our relationship. We will move quickly to implement the various measures, although some will take time to bear fruit.

"Our two countries are politically like-minded, strategically-aligned and economically complementary. We have much to gain by working closely together. The CSP will draw our two countries closer, economically, politically and at the people-to-people level.



"Our economies will become more integrated and intertwined. Defence cooperation will be stepped up. The Singapore Armed Forces will be able to do more military training in Australia.

"We have also agreed to work together in new promising areas, like innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship, youth exchanges and the arts and culture. I am happy that Australia will establish one of its five 'Landing Pads' in Singapore. This creates new possibilities for our creative talent to work together, and harness our energy and capital for mutual benefit.”

The agreement comes a year after Mr Lee and Mr Turnbull's predecessor Tony Abbott signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement.

Among other moves in the new agreement:

- Up to 500 young Singaporeans will be able to work or study in Australia for up to 12 months under a new "Work and Holiday Maker Programme",

- Singaporean artists, art groups and performers can tap into a S$5 million fund over five years to stage their works in Australia

- Australian start-ups can get greater access to Asia to showcase their products and services with the help of Singapore as an innovation "landing pad"

- More mutual recognition of professional qualifications with priority for engineers and accountants

Calling the new agreement "landmark" and "worthwhile", Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told reporters that it sets Singapore-Australia's economic, defence and people-to-people ties "on a completely new trajectory for the next generation".

"Singapore and Australia have very good strategic alignment, meaning the way we view the world, the way we view strategic interests, our defence interests very well aligned. Singapore has been a staunch, reliable advocate for Australia's integration into Asia as a whole," said Dr Balakrishnan.

"In addition to that, on the economic side, we view ourselves as complimentary," he added.

Trade cooperation is also set to go beyond the current Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement. Singapore was Australia's fifth largest trading partner with bilateral trade amounting to S$20.2 billion last year. Singapore is also the fifth largest foreign investor in Australia, with total investments amounting to A$80.2 billion. Australian investments in Singapore were worth A$50.7 billion 2014.

There are about 50,000 Singaporeans living in Australia and about 20,000 Australians living in Singapore.

Every year, about 400,000 Singaporeans visit Australia, while about a million Australians visit Singapore.

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sing...?xtor=EREC-16-1[ST_Newsletter_AM]-20160506-[Singapore%2C+Australia+ink+landmark+pact+to+boost+ties+in+security%2C+trade+and+arts]&xts=538291

This post has been edited by Fat & Fluffy: May 6 2016, 11:07 AM

Stronger defence ties shows strategic trusts between Australia and Singapore



The strengthening of defence ties between Singapore and Australia attests to the level of strategic trust between both countries that are building on their history of good cooperation, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan.

It also shows "alignment" in the way both countries view the world and the need for security, peace and stability in South-east Asia, Dr Balakrishnan told the media on Thursday (May 5).

His comments come as Singapore and Australia announced on Friday a landmark agreement that will see both sides cooperate more closely in the areas of security, trade, education and the arts and culture.

As part of moves to expand defence cooperation, Singapore's troops will be able to get access to more military areas and facilities over 25 years. A joint combat training drill, codenamed Trident, will also be elevated as a signature bilateral exercise.



The security agencies on both sides will also enhance their sharing of intelligence and information in areas such as counter-terrorism.

Dr Balakrishnan said that the new agreement will "catalyse, encourage and faciliate" the ongoing cooperation and collaboration between both countries' security agencies.

He added that the Australians are interested to learn from Singapore which is "a successful model of a multi-cultural country that has to deal with this clear and present threat of terrorism and extremism".

"The way we order ourselves, the way we organise our society, the way we deal with terrorist threats, the religious rehabilitation programme that we have. All these make us interesting and relevant for Australia," said Dr Balakrishnan, adding that it too is a multicultural society.

"Obviously everyone has to devise their own ways. But there are lessons we can learn, ideas we can pick up from each other. So that's why this is another field which they are very keen to work with us."

Since 1990, Singapore troops have been training Down Under to hone their skills, with the Singapore Armed Forces conducting its largest unilateral exercise every year in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland. In last year's 65-day drill, more than 4,000 personnel and 400 different platforms were put through their paces in the training area that is three times the size of Singapore, with terrain including rugged outback, bushland and mountains.



SAF servicemen and women also train in Western Australia and New South Wales.

In all, a dozen countries are used for training, including the United States, Germany, India, Brunei and New Zealand. *taiwan

While Singapore builds up its defences and does its best "to be strong individually", it also has to build a network of friends and good, reliable partners, said Dr Balakrishnan.

"Australia fulfills all that criteria," he added.

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stro...ingapore-vivian

Malaysia 'on alert for militant kindergartens'



KUALA LUMPUR • Malaysian police said kindergartens across the country are being monitored to ensure they will not be turned into training centres for child soldiers.

The director of Special Branch police intelligence, Datuk Seri Fuzi Harun, said this to the Malay Mail Online news site yesterday, following an online storm over a picture showing Malaysian kindergarten children in military fatigues toting toy guns, with two women who appeared to be their teachers.

He said police have been monitoring that particular kindergarten, located in Bandar Sri Damansara just outside Kuala Lumpur, since last year. "We have already been investigating the school from last year. If we find enough evidence that suggests such (militant) ideologies are being taught, we will move in on them," Mr Fuzi told the Malay Mail Online when contacted.

That picture, and another of kindergarten girls waving Palestinian flags and the two women wearing headbands with Arabic writing, riled netizens after they were posted on Instagram.



"I'm shocked to see the photos. What I'm concerned about is that it looks like they are training the kids to be terrorists. They are holding guns," lawyer Siti Zabedah Kasim told The Star. She raised the issue by posting the pictures on her Facebook account. She added: "Being religious is doing good, not acting like you're in the army."



A reader of her Facebook account wrote "even if you support Palestine, this is not the way, this is like ISIS" - a reference to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria terrorist group.

Malay Mail said its checks revealed that several kindergarten teachers, one of whom works in the Kota Damansara kindergarten, had uploaded the images to their Instagram accounts.

Malaysia is on alert against terrorist plots and has so far arrested more than 160 men and women linked to ISIS.

Mr Fuzi in January said the police had foiled an attempt by ISIS militants to set up a terrorist training centre for children in Malaysia.

The headmistress of the kindergarten told the New Straits Times newspaper yesterday that the children were participating in a play on the Israel-Palestine conflict in 2014. The teacher who posted the picture on Instagram quit in February, she added.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/malaysia-...?xtor=EREC-16-1[ST_Newsletter_AM]-20160506-[Malaysia+%27on+alert+for+militant+kindergartens%27]&xts=538291

Japan 'looking into' new ships for Vietnam coast guard



The East and South China Seas, a shared dispute analysts say has bonded the pair in a security partnership.

The two countries signed a defence cooperation agreement in 2011 and Japan gave Vietnam's marine police a gift of six secondhand patrol ships last year.

In the latest sign of cosier defence ties, Japan is now considering Vietnam's request for brand new ships.

The issue was raised at Mr Kishida's meetings with Vietnam's foreign minister and prime minister on Thursday evening, and the early signs are positive, Japan's foreign ministry deputy spokesman Masato Otaka told reporters in Hanoi.



"Japan is a maritime country with a lot of know-how, so it's perfectly understandable that countries like Vietnam come to Japan for help. We're doing our best," Mr Otaka said.

In April, two Japanese navy ships made a historic port call at Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay, a strategic area for Vietnam's defence of the South China Sea.

Japan is Vietnam’s largest donor in terms of preferential loans and ranks second in foreign investment, registering US$37 billion of cumulative investments in the emerging ASEAN market as of mid-2015. Both countries are involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a global trade deal that will encompass 40 per cent of global GDP if and when it is concluded.

In Hanoi, Kishida held talks with newly-elected Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Thursday evening. He is scheduled to address media before meeting President Tran Dai Quang on Friday.

- CNA/ec/de

Why Malaysia's South China Sea policy seems confused

David Han



In March this year, Malaysia's National Security Minister Shahidan Kassim revealed that surveillance by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) had discovered about 100 Chinese vessels sailing close to the Luconia Shoals, which Malaysia claims. This disclosure caused some alarm in the country over China's assertive actions in the disputed waters. However, Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein later responded that the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) had confirmed that no Chinese vessels encroached into waters near Luconia Shoals. Subsequently, Malaysia summoned the Chinese ambassador to convey Malaysia's concerns regarding the latest incursions by Chinese ships.

This episode alludes to the fact that Malaysia is not a unitary state actor in its approach to the South China Sea issue. Instead, various actors within Malaysia have sent different signals which are contrary to Malaysia's moderate posture towards the disputes. These developments may be a result of domestic factors, namely the lack of coordination inherent within government structure and the need to allay public concerns on the incursions.

DIFFERING NARRATIVES IN MALAYSIA'S POSITION



Specifically, there are at least two contrasting narratives which can be observed in Malaysia's position on the South China Sea disputes. The first and dominant discourse focuses on Malaysia's traditional preference to adopt a moderate posture towards the disputes. In response to the latest incursions, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak told the Dewan Rakyat that challenges due to conflicting claims cannot "…be addressed through military might but instead through negotiations and solidarity among Asean countries and parties who support us (Malaysia)".

This remark from Malaysia's top leadership reflects the dominant narrative which seeks to eschew overtly confrontational, military-centric rhetoric and actions in its South China Sea position. This discourse also highlights that the South China Sea disputes are an Asean problem requiring diplomacy, dialogue and restraint, and is not simply a matter of Malaysia's sovereignty.



In contrast to the first narrative, the second narrative has a stronger tone that interprets the South China Sea disputes as primarily an issue of Malaysian sovereignty. For example, during a visit to Borneo in November 2015, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi reportedly mentioned that Malaysia would not stay silent on China's incursions, and added that "if our country is threatened or being encroached, we Malaysians should rise to defend our country". As for the latest incursions, Datuk Seri Shahidan made it clear that Malaysia would take legal action against foreign ships intruding into Malaysian waters.

Some analysts have sought to reconcile Malaysia's increasingly vocal stance over perceived Chinese assertiveness with its moderate and flexible approach to securing its claims in the South China Sea. Given their close bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sphere, it would be counterproductive to strain bilateral ties.


A picture posted on the Facebook page of Mr Shahidan, who oversees the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, of the Luconia Shoals where a Chinese Coast Guard ship was said to have anchored.

Thus, even the more vocal protests by Malaysia in recent years have been carefully calibrated to avoid souring relations with China. Other analysts have suggested that the United States rebalancing towards Asia has strengthened Malaysia's hand to adopt a slightly tougher position towards China.

DOMESTIC SOURCES OF CONTRADICTORY RESPONSES

While these analyses helpfully discuss external factors shaping adjustments in Malaysia's South China Sea position, domestic factors do not receive much attention in these arguments. Scholarly studies have demonstrated that conflicting messages on a foreign policy issue could be attributed to the fact that a state is not a unitary actor. These studies show that governmental bodies, ministries and departments could have different goals and operating procedures.

As one Malaysian scholar has noted, recent spats indicate that China has taken Malaysia's friendship for granted. This realisation is a catalyst which has triggered various quarters in Malaysia to call for a firmer position in safeguarding Malaysia's maritime interests.
Thus, in Malaysia's case, the recent contradictory messages may involve a lack of coordination between various government bodies in responding to incursions by foreign vessels. In fact, when MMEA and the RMN expressed contradictory messages about the incursions by Chinese ships, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry was still verifying the report of the alleged incursions.

Another factor which could have influenced Malaysia's slightly tougher stance is the current political atmosphere in the country. During this period of turbulence in Malaysia's domestic politics, any rising tensions in the disputes have to be dealt with swiftly. Missteps in handling the South China Sea disputes could be a potential breeding ground for scrutiny and avenues of criticisms by the increasingly sceptical public.

A more nationalistic tone in advocating Malaysia's sovereignty against Chinese encroachment may also placate public perceptions that the government is ineffectual in handling the disputes and protecting national interests. Thus, Malaysia's stronger rhetoric on its maritime claims is aimed at its domestic audience as much as it is projected towards China.

NO MORE COMPLACENCY

Malaysia will more likely continue its non-confrontational style of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy in meeting the challenges of the South China Sea disputes. In addition, Malaysia has already augmented this policy by stepping up its security apparatus to safeguard the country's maritime claims and airing stronger rhetoric against incursions.

As one Malaysian scholar has noted, recent spats indicate that China has taken Malaysia's friendship for granted. This realisation is a catalyst which has triggered various quarters in Malaysia to call for a firmer position in safeguarding Malaysia's maritime interests.

Although Malaysia's responses to the latest incursions have displayed contradictions, its South China Sea policy remains largely unambiguous. Indeed, maintaining good ties with China will remain a paramount objective as any conflict in the disputed waters would be harmful to Malaysia's interests in the region.

Notwithstanding the contradictions in Malaysia's response, the signal is clear that Malaysia is no longer being complacent about China's actions in the South China Sea.

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/why-ma...-seems-confused

This post has been edited by Fat & Fluffy: May 6 2016, 12:21 PM

This map shows how many more military aircraft the US has than every other country on earth





http://www.businessinsider.my/military-air...UB8zFu5hJzKe.97

Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines ink joint sea security deal



Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines agreed Thursday to run coordinated patrols to boost maritime security following the kidnappings at sea of Indonesians by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants.

Foreign ministers and military chiefs of the three countries held talks in Yogyakarta, hashing out the details of joint patrols to protect shipping in the waters between their border areas.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the threat from robbery, kidnapping and other transnational crime, if not addressed appropriately, can undermine the confidence in trade and commerce, which in turn can adversely affect the economic activities and welfare of peoples in the surrounding areas.

She said the area between Zulu islands in southern Philippines and Indonesia's Sulawesi island is a strategic economic waterway where over 55 million metric tons of crude and over 18 million people pass through.

"We will undertake a coordinated patrol in the maritime areas of our common concern," Marsudi told a news conference after the meeting that attended by her counterparts Anifah Aman from Malaysia and Jose Rene D. Almendras from Philippines and military chiefs from the three countries.

"Nationals of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have all been victims," she said, "We have to take action to ensure our citizens felt protective, keep undertaking their activities in that area."

A joint declaration the participants issued later expressed "grave concern" over the growing security challenges, such as those arising from armed robbery, transnational crimes and terrorism in the region.

It said they agreed to render immediate assistance for the safety of people and ships in distress within the area and to intensify cooperation in sharing information and intelligence as well as to establish a hotline of communication to improve cooperation during emergency and security threats.

Marsudi said officials of the three countries will meet again to formulate operating procedures of the maritime patrols.

Finally.Been hoping for joint patrol for quite a while.

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/15975/Ind...ls#.VyxdATilbHw

lel zulu islands?

Oh ASEAN,

bet malaysia armed forces could only look at envy

'Devil's Pipe': Russian National Guardsmen to Tote Rocket Flamethrowers





http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160506/103...r-features.html