A top-grade defence force, strong bilateral and multilateral relationships, and a strong network of international partners.

These are what Singapore needs to survive as a small country, said Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam yesterday in response to Member of Parliament (MP) Zaqy Mohamad’s concerns that Singapore’s bigger neighbours might view themselves as the bigger sibling in an “abang-adik” — big brother and small brother — relationship with the city-state.

The MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC, who had asked about MINDEF’s response to Indonesia’s naming of the warship after the two marines involved in the 1965 Macdonald House bombing, also noted that as Singapore’s larger neighbours prosper, they may take a more nationalistic view.

Mr Shanmugam pointed out that country size has been used as a bargaining chip with Singapore since its independence, but the Republic has stood firm.

“The point about bigger and smaller countries is never going to change for us. It is not a new issue. It was always there from the time we became independent. That, size of others, was used as a bargaining chip with us. We withstood that ... We have been able to hold our own, punch well above our weight, simply because we have been faster, skilful and successful.”

Besides having a strong military, Singapore also needs to ensure strong regional relationships through organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, so that issues can be dealt with at both bilateral and regional levels.

Responding to Nee Soon GRC MP Lim Wee Kiak’s queries over reported plans to build, on Batam island, the statues of the two marines, Mr Shanmugam said the Government has to take the Indonesian Foreign Minister “at his word” that there is no ill will and malice from Indonesia with regard to the naming of its warship.

Singapore’s response has been “crystal clear” and calibrated on where it stands on the warship, through calls by Singapore ministers to their Indonesian counterparts and a formal diplomatic note, he said.

Mr Shanmugam added that Singapore will take “one step at a time” and “wait to see what happens” with regards to plans to build the marines’ statues. Xue Jianyue