Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Singaporeans Participating in Wars of Other Countries

Question:

Ms Hazel Poa: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs what is the reason for making it illegal for Singaporeans to participate in wars of other countries.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.    Under Section 125 of the Penal Code 1871, it is an offence for a Singaporean to wage, attempt to wage, or abet the waging of, war against the government of any power in alliance or at peace with the Singapore Government.

2.    Singaporeans’ participation in such wars can affect Singapore’s national interests in different ways, depending on the nature of the conflict. One impact is that such involvement could be misconstrued as Singapore’s participation or taking sides, in the war.

3.    We also do not want Singapore citizens to engage in violence, except in defence of Singapore. Those who participate in wars of other countries may also pose a threat to national security upon their return to Singapore, depending on the nature of the conflict.

4.    Singaporeans who wish to help Ukrainians can do so in several ways. For instance, they may donate to legitimate organisations, such as the Singapore Red Cross, that have been raising funds for humanitarian aid to support affected communities in Ukraine.