A short getaway to Genting

Since my serious road accident in December 2006 I had been like a frog enclosed within it’s surrounding (Kodok dalam tempurong) and it is time to venture out into the open. We had this offer off-peak season 3days and 2 nights stay at the First World Hotel at Genting and we decided to take the opportunity for my getaway.

14th September 2009

At about 0730 hrs Lawrence and his wife Jean came by taxi to fetch us (my wife Josephine and I) to Boon Lay our pick-up point for our coach. The Company Grassland had a single-deck coach waiting for us; quite comfortable with reclining seats and enough of leg-room. We left at about 0810 hrs for a short drive to the Second Link for clearing Singapore side Immigration. No problem as the new immigration system, allowed us to be auto-cleared electronically. Then followed by another short trip across the bridge spanning the Straits of Johore to Malaysia side at Tanjong Kupang to be cleared on the other side. It was done smoothly even though we had to bring down our luggage's and belongings. The trip up early in the morning was excellent and refreshing, the North-South Highway is a wonderful feat of civil engineering connecting the country from Johore in the South to Perlis in the extreme North. The ride was smooth, driving past greenery, miles and miles of palm-oil plantations; one of their many natural resources. Malaysia is blessed whereas in Singapore we don’t have anything, no hinterland, no natural resources not even sufficient water. What we have is a little thing called “brains” up on the head to provide services-oriented industries. as Communication Hub, our International Airport, Air Services, Trade Hub, our Port of Singapore to sea trade, oil-refinery in processing crude oil, banking, our money spinner tourism; recently water technology, etc…  Our own defence industry (Singapore Technologies) provide some locally-made hardware like tanks, guns, ammunition and warships for our Army and Navy. For the Air Force in order to maintain a 3rd Generation status we are using American-built ‘state-of-art’ jet-fighters like ;F-16’ Fighting Falcon and F-15SG ‘Strike Eagle’ and F-5E's Tigers supersonic interceptors as our first-line defence. In the near future we will see the Joint Strike Fighter. Lockheed Martin’s F-35, Lightning II’s, a 5th generation and probably the last manned jet-fighter; after that it would be un-manned aerial vehicle for offensive role. That shows that how technology has advanced and revolutionize the art of aerial combat. 

Our first stop for breakfast and toilet break was at Yong Peng and we got down to eat , stretch our legs for half-an-hour. We resumed our journey, the shades are lowered down to shield from the rising sun; leaving a small opening below to peep outside. The drive went smoothly and un-eventfully, some probably slept all the way through. The climb to the top was agonizingly slow, crawling up the winding road and making through many snake-bends.

Finally we reached the top Genting Highland about 1400 hrs. The weather was comfortably cooling, not that cold and you could be in normal dressing; at the most with a pull-over. Let me describe more for the benefit of foreign readers; the main hotel resort sits majestically at the top of Genting World. The Theme Park lies below that offers a lot of outdoor games and entertainment,especially for kids and the younger generations. For those less adventurers the indoors equally provide the same kind of thrills, ferris-wheel, gondola rides, merry-go-round, float in air-cushioned like experiencing ‘free fall’ etc… Food no problem as there are many restaurants, food court, eateries; the choice is yours.

 

 

Model layout of Genting Highland

 

At the First World resort, owing to many arrivals we were ushered to a temporary hall to sort out our rooming allotment. Meantime so not to waste time I went for lunch at the Bus Terminal, eating a delicious plate of Penang style ‘char kway teow. We are two to a room, after collecting our electronic key-cards, we proceeded to our rooms at Tower One, level 8. The rooms we had, were adjoined to one another by two-doors; which has to be open either sides for access. However, the rooms rather small and absence of the luxury of a mini-bar. We were quite disappointed as it appears more or less like a ‘buget hotel’. What is strange to us is that the operator refuses to take any message.

 

 

Hotel First World

After shower, refreshing ourselves we went out to discover our new environment, scouting the restaurants, food courts, eateries, casinos and entertainment areas. We ended up at the main resort where the cable-car located; called Awana Skyway. I remember the last time I took it was some years back and it had a larger cabin, but now it had switched to a smaller one. We got into the one cabin; Jo and I in the front row with Lawrence and Jean in the back row. It started to descend towards Awana Resort below. It became scary when the cabin passes over the tower support, it created some squeaky noise and jerking momentum that raise some apprehension. It raises some doubts to the question of maintenance; why this sound and jerks it is surely mechanical problem, squeaky sound and metal to metal friction made us feel uneasy. Lawrence said this would be his last time sitting this skyway and I totally agree with him. We did not alight at Awana Station as there was nothing interesting that would warrant us to get off. So no choice we continued our journey up, at the same time nursing un-pleasant thoughts that flooded our minds, each time we went through the bumps over the tower. The scenery below was awesome, the whole mountain side densely forested. We noticed a lot of wild banana trees; but did not seem to bare fruits.

Model of Genting, Skyway tower (red)below right

You know the jungle reminded me one fateful day on 26th December, 1994 I was flying my micro-light aircraft when the engine went dead; I glided into a emergency landing at sea. On rather on a mud flat, it was low tide and I crashed with the nose dug-in and the tail went up-right like a scorpion.  Miraculously I was un-hurt except for some cuts and bruises; no broken bones. I climbed out of the wreckage and made for the shore in a prone position on all fours like a monitor lizard. I discovered that it was easier and less taxing than trying to walk in deep mud, it bog you down and sap your energy. The shore-line was covered with mangrove swamp, with trees growing wildly in close proximity and it’s roots criss-cross and inter-wine each other forming a natural barrier. It was terrible I had to either climb over or crawl under, slipping and falling all the time. Having cleared the swamp, the jungle provided another obstacle. The undergrowth was thick, the ground damp and covered with decaying leaves, branches and the insects created a jungle symphony of all sorts of noise. It was strange, alien, frightening and I was not accustomed and not pleasing to hear either. The gigantic trees towering towards to sky and at the top, the green foliage spread widely like an umbrella, shutting off sunlight. Below it dark, damp, humidity was high and I was sweating profusely; my pilot’s overhaul (nick-named Monkey suit) soaking wet. For me it was truly shocking, being an urban dweller suddenly found myself in a green hell, alone, lost and disoriented. I was afraid of snakes, of cobras, pythons, iguanas and even bugs, those creeper creatures like scorpions, centipedes, jungle spiders, giants ants.  However, fortunately I was familiar with the area that I went down. The jungle  from the air is but a small patch by the coast, fringe by mangrove swamps. I recognized that if I kept walking in a straight direction, at some point I would hit a clearing. I looked for light penetrating and followed and finally I did come out to a clearing. At the same time a search plane flying low and waving at me; my heart jumped with joy. During my flying days I read of many  sightings of tigers in the area of Kahang and Kota Tinggi; even a case where a large python about to devout a man in Segamat area. It was a frightening affair and I will never forget about it.

We returned to the main building safety and quickly walk off to regain our sense of well being. We dined at the Kenny Rogers Restaurant where I had black-peppered chicken, mashed potato with chilly sauce and happy about it. After that we decided to invade the casino but the guard refuse my entry as I was in shorts owing to my injured left leg in a kind of support called the leg-brace. So I decided to return to the comfort of my hotel room and watch television shows. Later they returned in joyful mood as they have won and looks like the trip has been generously sponsored by the winnings.

15th September (Tuesday) 

0830hrs we took the bus down to Kuala Lumpur city (Capital of Malaysia) and that morning the mist was thick with the wind blowing so it was rather cold. The ride downhill was smooth as the seasoned driver  negotiated the bends and snake carefully and confidently.

 

 

It was cold and misty at the bus terminal.

Roughly in about an hour’s time we arrived at our destination, the bus terminal at Titiwangsa. We waited about an hour for Ang (Josephine’s brother) to pick us up. However there was no sign of him, probably he could not contact me. Josephine did not bring her hand phone because it did not have roaming service. He manage to contact hotel but got a negative reply as the group-list not registered under my name. So there is a breakdown of communication and we decided not to waste time and move on by taking the mono-rail to Bukit Bintang for our lunch. Our Chinese Restaurant at Sungei Wang is named the “Esquire Kitchen”

 

 

At the Bus Terminal

Lunch at Chinese Restaurant ‘Esquire Kitchen’

While dining Ang managed to call me and said that he called Singapore to get my new number from my son, Ian. Finally we met and he took us to see the newly opened large shopping mall called the “Pavilion”

 

 

K.L. in front of the Pavilion

From left: Ah Yoke, Ang’s Vietnamese wife, Ang, myself and Jean.

                     

At the fountain, Ah Yoke, Ang, myself and Jo.    

             

Myself with Jo

 

The ladies managed to buy their things, they don’t stop and as the saying goes shop till you drop and always  money not enough. From there Ang took us in his car to Petaling Jaya for a feast of durians. We settled down to a road-side stall as Ang made his selection with the owner for his favourite, like the ‘bamboo’, the ‘XO’, D24 and D22 and others. We have  coconut water for our drinks. We just ate and ate as it tasted good,the texture and firmness due to the freshness of the fruit.  Food in Singapore is also no problem, what you want we have, local, Western, Middle Eastern and Eastern (Chinese, Japanese, Korean). And from South East Asia (Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian) all available in all the eateries. All along the Singapore River are restaurants, eateries, pubs, musical lounge and more at the Esplanade, the Theatres of the Bay and the ‘Makansutra’ food court which caters locally and tourists.

 

 

The durian feast, eat till you drop.

After durian feast, we walk to a nearby shopping area for window-shopping and to stretch our legs, some walking exercises. My former Chief Flying Instructor Capt. Chung said jogging is one of the best exercise, you don’t need anything and it is free of charge. He used to jog regularly in order to maintain good health and his physical fitness. He came down to Singapore and stayed at my place in order to take part in the Second Link ‘Big Walk’ from Singapore to Johore side. Owing to approaching Autumn Festival, we came across a  special made  Pandan flavour moon cake with coconut fillings sold at Tai Tung. For the first time, we sample and found something unique and delicious.

By 1700 hrs we decided to go for our dinner, the famous ‘Bak Kut Teh’ next to the Dynasty Hotel.It was a sumptuous meal but I could eat no more; my belly is about to burst. However we had a wonderful time together and we probably not see each other for some time; the last we met Ang was probably 4-5 years ago. He took us back to the Bus Terminal at Titiwangsa; we wished them farewell. Meantime we boarded the 1830 hrs bus service that took us one and a half hour  back. Upon arrival Genting, the trio decided to go to the casino for the last fling and I in search of a watering hole, found a band called the “Interface” playing some Chinese Songs. At first I thought that they are from Philippines but I was mistaken; they were all Malaysians but came together from different parts,   The 5-piece band with Jimmy as the lead singer from East Malaysia, and the rest from West, mainly Kuala Lumpur. Lawrence came to join me as he thought it would be more fun in the Pub than in the casino.

Jimmy the lead singer, is a talented character, dynamic, energetic with a witty showmanship, he could influence the crowd to participate in the singing and merry making. Very entertaining, generally making people happy and inducing people to be part of and involved, he sang in Mandarin ‘Theresa Teng’ favourite songs. The guitarist named I got it as Zaini sang Bee Gees numbers, that I had requested like “I started a Joke’  and ‘Words’. On stage Jimmy announced that his already ‘potong’ so don’t ask us. We don’t know because Lawrence and I took his words for granted as we did not have the opportunity to check it out.  The long hair guy  named Wan plays the key-board and also sings well; the two girl singers, one tall and tanned named Aisah; the other fair and short is Ayu; they also could sing in Mandarin.

 

 

          

Myself with Lawrence, started quietly.                    

The  5-piece Band “Interface”

 

 

                        

Jimmy came down from stage to the crowd.      

Lawrence instigate the crowd

 

         

Lawrence have graduated to the stage.         

 

 

Finally Jimmy came to Lawrence

 

 

         

Everyone having fun, Jean looking on.   

        

This one for ‘Playboy’ magazine.

 

Near ending I went on stage to sing for Jimmy my camp-fire song without music accompanied and in Bahasa Melayu.

so I started,

“ Oh Jimmy, my own Sweetheart,

I love you, terangpong sangat,

Underneath pokok kelapa, I will wait for you

If you see me, oh Jimmy jangan tutup pintu,

Oh! Jimmy my own Sweetheart, I love you terangpong sangat,

Underneath pokok kelapa, I will wave at you,

If you see me, Oh Jimmy Jangan tutup pintu

Oh! Jimmy my own sweetheart, I love you,

but your face no can do

and your curly hair is full of kutu. Yak!

The band closed the show with Jimmy singing the last number in Mandarin Theresa’s Teng song; I think serenading the moonlight.

All good things must come to an end, it had been a wonderful evening; we had enjoyed ourselves with good music, good company and new friends. The band I would class as excellent, as it can stir up your spirit, aided by bottle spirit.Ha! ha!

So thus ended the final curtain came down at 0145 hrs.

 

16th September (Wednesday)

At 0800 hrs, we woke up and got ready for breakfast. Last night had taken a toll and I slept like a log, dead to the world. This morning breakfast is included in the package and we went down to eat at the hotel’s restaurant.

 

Breakfast, Jo, Jean and Lawrence

I had Western, Bombay Toast, baked beans, sunny-side egg and sausages; top-up with orange-juice and coffee. Wah! ‘Ang moh lang’

 

          

Some photo-shoot, Jean and Jo                              

 

Lawrence and Jean

 

 

         

Jean with gondola in background.              

The poor gondola guy,’Boh sengli’

next year surely kena retrench.

 

 

 

Lawrence need a gun, his daughter is growing up fast.

 

                     

Jo and Jean last minute shopping.                        

 

 

Lawrence and Jean

 

 

          

Checking-out                                                        

  Our Grassland coach 

>

Myself, all set to ‘hit the road’

The End

Army Open House ‘09 at Pasir Laba.

On the 3rd September (Thursday) at about 1000 hrs at Jurong Point, I boarded an air-conditioned bus provided free by the organizer. We were ferried in cool comfort all the way to Pasir Laba camp at Jurong which took us through to the SAFTI link bridge. This uniquely built suspension bridge has the main boom tilted at an angle and span across the Pan Island Expressway. It connects the old SAFTI to the new one and provides safe passage for the soldiers and their vehicles en-route to the training areas.

The organizers had categorised the whole show into several Worlds, Our World takes the National Service journey, where boys become soldiers and leaders ready to defend our country. The Combat World on battlefield experience! Experience the 30 simulated “war zone”and the military hardware on display at the square. The Mission World is about SAF mercy mission to aid the Tsunami disaster at Banda Aceh/Meulaboh in December 2004 when Singapore owing to close proximity was the first to respond. Our SAF sent it’s biggest ships 3 “Endurance” class Amphibious Transport Dock with heavy equipment, vehicles and relief supplies. Also twin-rotor heavy-lift Chinooks and Super Puma helicopters were sent, together with C-130 Hercules 4-engine transport dispatched a portable control tower as temporary replacement for the damage one at Banda Aceh. Also covers the mission of Peace keeping to East Timor. The Battle World is experiencing the ride in military vehicles, the Light Strike vehicles, the Bionix Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the Bronco All Terrain Carriers.  The Future World covers the latest gadgets and equipment for the next generation. The Action World provided 3 action packed shows at the Parade Square, including free-fall parachutists from the popular “Red Lions” Commando team, urban operation and Military Police precision drill. And finally the Fun World catering the two passion of Singaporeans food and shopping. Super Puma helicopter provided free ride as I saw it ascending just behind of the Fun World.

 

 

The entrance to the exhibition area.

We alighted at the dropping point just near the entrance and walked a short distance to a booth to drop our lucky draw coupon and pick up some souvenir gift(badges). I crossed the road to the Combat World, the main display area where all the Singapore Armed Forces military hardware are exhibited.

 

 

 

Leopard 2A4 tank.

The German-built Leopard main battle tank weigh at 55 tonne, is armed with a fully stabilize 120mm smoothbore gun. The tank is powered by a turbo-charged diesel engine which allows it to reach the speed of 70 km/h. It’s multi layered armour plating provides better protection against anti-tank weapons. Germany has always been regarded for precision engineering achieving high standard from cameras to rocket technology; V1’s and V2’s. They produced excellent tanks during the second world war like the ‘Tiger’ and the ‘King Tiger’ battle tanks. They also produced the first jet-fighters the Me262 that became operational. They outmatched the best of allied piston-engine fighters; including P51 Mustangs or Supermarine Spitfires and that spell the end of propeller era for fighters. Our Leopards main battle tanks numbering some 102 will eventually replace our elderly French-built AMX-13 light tanks (modified to SM1 model). They form the 48th Battalion of the Singapore Armoured Regiment.

 

 

  

Terrex AV-81 Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)

A new addition locally made (Singapore Technologies) the Terrex on display, the 3G eight-wheeler armoured personnel carrier  enhanced better protection inside, provides mobility and fire power. It is an amphibian so it can swim being driven by two propellers.

 

The brain inside of the Terrex.

It has fully computerized system (the brains), seen here the commander networking and can issue orders to the rest of the units plugged into the  Battle Field System (BMS); also for sharing info to alert them, or receiving info, images from  Command & Control. The advantage is that all of this can be done like on internet, e-mailing and thereby maintaining radio silence without revealing one’s presence. The commander can manipulate the  overhead remote-control turret, armed with 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and a 40mm automatic grenade-launcher from the system inside. The gun can shoot targets 800m away and fire at the rate of 350 rounds per minute. In the touch screen method, he can select; lock-on the target and fire. The screen even shows disposition of forces, friendly appears in blue icon and the enemy in red in that order it can avoid any mistakes or chances of friendly fire (killing your own side by mistake). Weighing at 24 tonnes, it can carry 13 men including the driver with the commander and has a land speed of  105 km/h. The thermal sighting system allows the driver/commander to see better, engage moving targets and improves first round ‘hit’ probability. The 'Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)compliments the Bionix, armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) to further provide protection for troops for moving them to frontline. I asked what if the computer suffers defects owing to extreme vibrations from operating over rough terrain and the shock from the recoil when the guns being fired. The answer that the system created by our scientists from the defence company (DSTA) had perfected it. It had gone through trials and error over the years and they are ruggedly built with shock-absorbers and protective screen fit for military use; anyway it could be easily replaced. The Army has placed 300 on order.

 

 

Add-on armoured troop carrier

Another new comer is the add-on armoured troop carrier is a soft skin vehicle and most suitable for use in peace keeping role for conveying troops. It weighs around 5 tonne provides adequate protection for 60 soldiers; there are slit-holes and viewer for the troopers inside to see and fire their weapons. Of course it is safer than travelling in un-armoured open 3-tonner trucks.

 

 

Bronco 120mm Motar Tract Carrier (MTC)

Locally-built by Singapore Technologies, seen here on a portable bridge laid by a bridge-tank. It is used by the 42nd Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment in fire support role. In 6 seconds it can load a 15kg mortar bomb into the barrel, aim by computer at a target 13 km away and fire with precision. It re-load automatically, highly mobile and can quickly withdraw before the enemy tracking unit can pin-point it’s location.

 

 

Front view of the track mine clearance vehicle.

The rear view showing the rows of chains.

This new vehicle locally built by Singapore Technologies named "Trail Blazer" replaces the old wheeled one which in anti-mine operation is driven in reverse position and the chains attached to an axel are rotated to beat the ground and detonate the mines. The armoured cabin protects the crew from small arms fire, shell fragments and explosive blasts. The mine-clearance vehicle can be deployed faster, safer and requires lesser manpower for clearing  a safe passage way for our friendly forces. 

 

 

The Searcher UAV

The Searcher is not a new comer, it is an un-manned aerial vehicle that first introduced in 1998 as a replacement of an older version. Is the smallest aircraft in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and operates closely in support of the army for battlefield surveillance or as a spotter/eye in the sky for the artillery against enemy targets. A special feature in the form of a built-in autopilot that has a ‘return home’ mode in case the command linkage is lost. 

 

Logistic support an Immo transporter

Delivery made easy, slide it down and drive away; that’s it.

 

 

The Communication Division.

Seen here are two 3-tonners with extended sides to form one large portable Command and Control enclosure, housing all the sophisticated equipment, computer lap-tops, large visual LCD screens, etc…

 

 

For field maintenance a Bronco track vehicle (master) towing two slaves, one track and the other wheel. There is a crane for lifting and generator set for various functions.

 

 

Army bull-doser

The Army bull-doser maybe required to do clearing of obstacles or leveling job, building roads etc… The cabin is air-conditioned so it is a haven to work in cool comfort as compared with other vehicles, especially armoured with air blower only.

 

 

Remote-control Army bomb detector.

Does the job without putting the bomb disposal personal in danger. He stands at a safe distance and manipulate the controls.

 

 

M3G Raft for bridging purposes.

The M3G military float bridge/Raft (amphibian) can travel at 80 kmh on land, then un-fold to form a self-propelled raft. It can transport three 5-tonne vehicles on water at 9kmh. Operated by Singapore Combat Engineers for bridging purposes.  At this year’s NDP the five ceremonial 25-pounder guns were loaded on six M3G rafts link together for the 21-gun “Presidential Salute.”

 

 

FH2000 155mm Howitser gun

Not a new comer, the locally built (Singapore Technologies) FH2000 155mm howitzer has been in service with the Singapore Artillery for some time. It provides precise and speedy fire support, backing up the infantry and armoured units. It is capable to neutralize enemy position with it’s awesome firepower and has better range than the SSPH1 Primus. It is self-propelled and can re-deploy after shooting to avoid counter fire.

From the gunner’s view

The SSPH1 Primus 155mm gun.

The self-propelled locally-made (Singapore Technologies) provide the Army’s combined arms division with the extra punch with 155mm fire power. It is one of the largest gun in the Singapore Armed Forces arsenal. The Primus is manned by a crew of 4 and can hit targets 30 km away. They were tested in New Zealand by the 21st battalion Singapore Artillery.

 

 

AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter

The Apache helicopter is equipped with a state-of-the-art sensor and weapon system. The key element is the conspicuous Longbow Fire Control Radar dome installed over the main rotor. The elevated position of the radome allows detection and (arcing) missiles engagement of targets even when the helicopter itself is concealed by an obstacle (e.g. terrain, trees or building. It belongs to No.120 squadron and stationed at RSAF Sembawang airbase, the home for rotary-wing units. The Apache can operate ideally with the ground troops in fire-support role and can blast away with their hellfire missiles and cannon fire. Often seen over Jurong area as they patrol the key installations at Jurong Island. It is computerised and network ready to plug into the Battlefield Management System(BMS). In the 3rd generation SAF there is cross-service integration where valuable info is shared among other services.

 

 

 

CH47 Chinook helicopter

Chinook is a heavy-lift helicopter with twin-engine, rotor in tandem. It can carry heavy payloads at speed over 155 mph, entered service in 1998 after returning from USA to form No.127 squadron and base at RSAF Sembawang airbase. They participate in relief operation in Thailand and Indonesia in “Operation flying eagle”. The Tsunami disaster that struck Banda Aceh/Meulaboh on the 24th December 2004 was truly tragic where more than a 150,000 people lost their lives. It is the worst tragedy ever to happened in Indonesia.

 

 

The 3G soldier

In his new No. 4 dress pixeliszed pattern camouflage uniform that will blend with vegetation for better concealment. The 3G soldier involved not only new weapons but new ideas, doctrines with integrated knowledge based. The soldier of the future must see earlier, think quicker and kill faster with the latest weapons and sensor. He has to acquire the ‘networking’ edge in planning; capable of assessing battlefield scenario from feedback info obtained by high tech un-manned aerial sensors, communication devices and able to call for entire firepower support.

I had the chance to try on our locally-made infantry weapon, the SAR-21 (Singapore Assault Rifle-21st century) and it was heavy even though it is short. I manage to ‘hit’ two targets electronically and quite happy, realizing that I still have not lost touch. When I was in the Police in the late 1950’s I represented Headquarters for the Johore Shield Competition. I dropped the plate with one shot; someone else in our team missed and finally the Gurkhas Police team took the Shield with their superb shooting.

 

 

School of Infantry Specialist.

An impressive modern building for teaching our young soldiers some specialised trade, to up-grade their knowledge and sharpen their skills in this grusome business of war ‘kill or be killed’.

 

 

From the Army Guards.

With one of the Guards holding a grenade-launcher and heavily padded; they specialize in repelling from helicopter, buildings or difficult terrain and are like commandos, highly trained but underpaid. Like that.Ah!

 

 

The Parade square with a Bionix.

At the Action World, two locally-made Bionix Infantry Fighting Vehicles in urban operations put up a display of fire power blasting away their main armament the bushmaster chain-gun and 7.62 machine guns at the Parade square. Earlier there was a parachute display by the “Red Lions” the Commando team landing at the square itself.  The Military Police display some precision drill.

 

 

 

The “pegasus” 155mm light howitser gun.

The Pegasus is locally produced by Singapore Technologies and the world’s first self-propelled, heli-portable 155mm light-weight howitzer. It is a big calibre gun that can provide heavy fire power in support of our SAF. At 5.4 tons it can be transported by helicopter to battle. It is self-propelled and can fire at enemy position 30 km away..

 

 

A field hospital.

A field hospital, a single 3-tonner truck with extended sides to cater for Gen3 Field Casualty Station where wounded are taken in from battle front for immediate treatment. They can do minor patch-up work but as for the more serious cases; all they can do is to stabilize the patient and evacuate usually by helicopter to a proper hospital.

We ought to learn what history has shown us that the folly of under-estimating your enemy could result disastrously. An example in May 1905 Admiral Rojdestvensky led his Russian Baltic fleet, sailing half-way round the world to be defeated by a much smaller Japanese navy led by Admiral Togo at the Battle of Tsushima.

And in the last war the same lesson was repeated  by the British, they were complacent and believed that the Japanese Army was inferior, an Asiatic nation of  little yellow people. The Air Force also received much criticism, they ridicule by  figuratively saying that Japanese planes were made of bamboo and rice paper. That Japanese pilots are crossed eyed so could not fly a plane properly, let alone fight in one.

And what happened? The British discovered to their shocking surprise that their own American-built Brewster Buffaloes were already obsolete and lumbering Vildebeest torpedo-bombers were antiques and no match against the Japanese. The Japanese Army Nakajima built streamline,agile “Ki-43” Hayabusha (Pergerine falcon) Allied code “Oscar” although inferior to their Navy Mitsubishi “Zero” simply shot their opponents out of the skies. Including one named John Gorten who was to be the future Prime Minister of Australia. From then the Japanese quickly gained mastery of the air and could roam or fly un-challenged and un-molested.

On the 10th of December 1941, saw the mighty British Navy battleships the “Prince of Wales” and “Repulse” sent to the bottom of the South China Sea by Japanese Navy bombers flying from Saigon. In the Indian Ocean the Royal Navy cruisers “Cornwall” , “Dorsetshire” and the aircraft carrier “Hermes” were also sent to the bottom by Admiral Ozawa’s carrier forces. The same can be said in the Battle of Java Seas where a combined fleet American, British, Dutch and Australian (ABDA) suffered  defeat; thus ended the myth that “ Britannia rules the waves”

The so thought inferior Japanese Army of 3 Divisions (30,000 men) spearheaded by a few light tanks with their main infantry on bicycles rode down the whole length of Peninsular Malaya in 70 days. The impregnable fortress of Singapore fell on 15th February 1942 (Chinese New Year) and with it were 100,000 prisoners-of-war, British, Australian and Indian troops. The most humiliating defeat ever suffered by British arms; un-believable, the Mighty British Empire had crumbled.

The Singapore Armed Forces has the responsibility to maintain the deterrent visibly by flexing some muscles, otherwise it might tempt some cocky country to walk-over like what Saddam Hussein done to Kuwait. Although we do not have strategic depth, all the same  we ought to take total defence seriously for if we lost, it will all be gone forever. However we should disperse some defence assets elsewhere; it would be wise not to put all the eggs in one basket.

Remember 68 years ago Pearl Harbour presented a classic example; on that Sunday morning 7th December 1941 the Japanese caught the Americans with their pants down. The battleship rows and the fighters planes parked wingtip to wingtip in long flight-lines were sitting ducks. It ended up like a shooting gallery in a Fun Fair with every Japanese pilot taking a pot shot at something, a ship or a plane. Of course the end result was total disaster termed as “ a day of infamy”.

Meantime we must take the advantage of technology to advance our level of skill and expertise to exploit the capabilities of latest weapons and systems to ensure our survival. We are really small, our tiny island is I remember 26 miles by 14 miles, you can walk across in a day. To-day our land area has expanded considerably owing to reclamation and it is now 648 sq.km. Therefore we must maintain our capabilities, hold the ground until the cavalry arrive (UN or some friendly big brother country intervenes). Meanwhile to remind would be aggressors that we are chilly padi, small but fiery hot just enough to flame your arse so don’t play, play.Ha! ha! really no joke lah!  Little David,a shepherd boy can slay giant Goliath, ridiculously with a slingshot; check it out in the Biblical text.