Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 2: Sim Ann on vigilant and well-informed citizens to safeguard national interests

Singapore is an open society with free flow of information. All countries seek to influence our people, and some even interfere outright in our domestic issues. Singaporeans must be aware of this danger and not be unwitting vectors of foreign influence. It is therefore critical that Singaporeans understand the country's national interests and foreign policy objectives. Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann highlighted this in Parliament on Monday (Feb 27) and stressed that the first and most important line of defence is a vigilant and well-informed citizenry that recognises the geostrategic forces at play and understands the country's national interests. She said the Government will continue to reach out to all Singaporeans. "Foreign policy begins at home. If we can stay united and work together, we can make Singapore a safe and secure nation in these complex and turbulent times," she said.