The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on Tuesday (27 July) that a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commander will be “disciplinarily dealt with” for not complying with the proper safe management measures while addressing Basic Military Training (BMT) recruits near Pasir Ris MRT station.
According to a video that has been circulating on Facebook, a man in a white t-shirt can be seen speaking to a group of SAF servicemen with his mask pulled down to his chin and a drink in his hand. There are also other photos online that show him smoking in the area.
Following investigation on this matter, the SAF found that the commander has breached safe management measures, a MINDEF spokesperson said in response to media queries.
“Safe management measures are critical to ensure the safe conduct of the SAF’s training and operations, and our commanders are expected to set a positive example as well as enforce those rules to protect themselves and their trainees,” MINDEF added.
In a fact sheet released last month, MINDEF noted that as a way to maintain operational readiness and training safety in a COVID-19 endemic environment, the SAF has implemented “safe, practical and sustainable measures”.
This includes a “three-pronged strategy” of vaccination, strengthened testing and surveillance, as well as cohorting of troops.
As of Wednesday noon (27 July), Singapore recorded an additional 136 COVID-19 infections here, bring the country’s total 64,589 cases.
Upon learning that the SAF commander will be “disciplinarily dealt with”, online users slammed MINDEF for imposing such a light punishment, and has called for harsher penalties be given to the commander. Penning their thoughts in the Facebook page of Channel News Asia, they said the commander should be charged and fined like a regular citizen, or he should be “demoted and stripped of rank” as he did not think much about the safety of his men.
Others chided the commander for his act noting that he is a disgrace and “unfit” to be a leader. They questioned how his recruits will adhere to rules when their commander himself couldn’t follow the regulations in place, adding that the people do not want such leadership in the army.
One user said that this is a “typical example of little power” that went up to his head.
Some wondered what exactly is happening inside SAF during training when an incident like this can happen outside. They asked if safety protocol and COVID-19 safety measures are being met during training.
A few former SAF leaders lamented this commander for his behaviour, highlighting his offences like his lack of discipline, leadership and professionalism. They added that he should be demoted and be severely punished.
