The Security and External Relations Sector comprises the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). This sector accounts for $14.9 billion or 34.3% of government expenditure in FY2009.

The Security and External Relations Sector aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Peace, Security and Sovereignty
• Safe Home for Singaporeans
• Preparedness for Emergencies
• Enhancing Singapore’s Relationships with Other Countries

Peace, Security and Sovereignty

$11.4 billion will be allocated to MINDEF to ensure that Singaporeans continue to enjoy a peaceful and secure environment, and Singapore continues to have unimpeded access to its air and sea lines of communication.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will maintain a high state of operational readiness to respond to any conventional or non-conventional threat to Singapore’s security. MINDEF and the SAF also maintain good defence relations with an extensive network of countries in the region and beyond.

The SAF will equip its servicemen with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage on technologically advanced weapons and operational doctrines of modern warfare.

Safe Home for Singaporeans

$1.6 billion will be allocated to the Police Programme. This will be used predominantly for the operating expenditure of the Police, including the setting up of new units such as the Transport Command, the Casino Investigation Branch and the Marina Neighbourhood Police Centre, and for the ongoing replacement of coastal patrol crafts for Police Coast Guard.

$323.3 million will be set aside for the Treatment of Offenders Programme. This will mostly be for the operating expenditure of the Prisons Department, including expenditure on rehabilitation programmes to assist in the reintegration of offenders. It also includes the development expenditure for the on-going Redevelopment of Changi Prison Complex (CPC) to enable operations and resources to be better optimized and cater for a safer and more secure Prisons environment.

$445.1 million is budgeted for the Immigration and Checkpoints Control Programme. This will mainly be for the operating expenditure of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, including the hiring of additional officers to increase manning level at the existing land Checkpoints, and for development expenditure to enhance our intelligence and enforcement capabilities and increase the efficiency of clearance at the checkpoints.

$76.8 million will go towards the Drug Enforcement Programme. This will mainly be for the operating expenditure of the Central Narcotics Bureau, including increased raids and operations against drug traffickers and abusers, and preventive drug education activities which aim to promote a drug-free lifestyle.

Preparedness for Emergencies

$367 million will be allocated for the Civil Defence Programme. This will largely be for the operating expenditure of the Civil Defence Force, and the construction of new Civil Defence public shelters in MRT stations along the Circle Line, and the development of a new fire station.

$30 million will be set aside for public education programmes to engage the community, including youths, Netizens, and foreign workers.

MFA will continue to provide better, more timely and effective consular services to Singaporeans in emergency situations overseas.

Enhancing Singapore's Relationships with Other Countries

$447.3 million will be allocated to the Foreign Affairs Programme to safeguard and promote the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans through effective diplomacy. The MFA will continue to enhance relations with all our friends and partners, and participate constructively and take principled positions at the UN and other key international forums.