S'pore to maintain defense spending

S'pore to maintain defense spending

SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore will not slash defense spending
despite an economic slowdown due to financial turmoil sweeping
through the region, news reports said yesterday.

"Building a credible defense force is a long-term process
which requires prudent and steady investment over many years,"
deputy prime minister Tony Tan was reported saying by local
newspapers.

Tan, who is also defense minister, said Singapore must
continue to show that it is prepared to commit resources "in good
times and bad" to ensure its security -- the "bedrock" for
economic progress.

Ten percent of Singapore's three million people belong to the
Singapore Armed Forces, either as regulars or national
servicemen. Full-time military service of up to two-and-a-half
years is mandatory for able-bodied male citizens and permanent
residents aged 18 years and above.