Tag Archive for: Constitution

SAF’s Digital and Intelligence Service to be set up after Parliament passes amendments to SAF Act and Constitution; WP objects to changes to Constitution


While the SAF has built up capabilities in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) in its three existing services – Army, Navy, and Air Force – Dr Ng said the C4I community’s role has been largely that of a “supporting agency”, akin to combat support, logistics and maintenance.

With growing use of disinformation in warfare and cyber threats, Dr Ng said the SAF needs a dedicated service to raise, train and sustain cyber troops and capabilities to defend Singapore’s digital borders.

“We are thankful that hitherto, our intelligence agencies have not detected any campaign against Singapore of that nature in the digital domain,” said Dr Ng.

“But we should not wait for one and it would be prudent to start and build up the fourth service. That alone would serve as a deterrent.”

He added that the DIS will ensure that Singapore is defended against the full spectrum of threats against potential aggressors.

“The digital environment is more porous than the physical one, but the DIS will be responsible to guard against these aggressors in that domain,” he said.

For the SAF, the DIS will protect its networks and systems and strengthen soldiers’ commitment and resilience in operations. It will also continue to provide accurate, relevant and timely intelligence to support SAF operations, and capitalise on cutting-edge digital technologies to advance the SAF’s digitalisation as a networked force.

As for threats to Singapore’s internal environment, it will work closely with the Home Team, Cyber Security Agency (CSA) and other national agencies to leverage on their strengths in Singapore’s digital defence.

This is similar to the SAF’s support to the whole- of-government for counter-terrorism, said Dr Ng.

SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE

During the debate on the SAF Bill, several Members of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns such as whether safeguards are in place to protect against abuse of powers and information leaks that could compromise national security.

In particular, MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (PAP-Chua Chu Kang) and MP Dennis Tan (WP-Hougang) asked if foreigners could be part of the DIS.

Responding to their questions, Dr Ng said:…

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Chile’s new constitution reflects current ethos; here’s what it promises


The proposed constitution centres around social rights for marginalised groups, women, the indigenous and the disabled; it also guarantees rights around free speech, abortion, environment, health, water and housing

Chile President
Chilean President Gabriel Boric holding the final draft of the country’s new constitution. Pic: Twitter

On the 4th of July, as the US was having its Independence Day celebrations, a South American democracy witnessed a landmark moment. Chile prepared the grounds for a brand new constitution that would, if and when it comes into force, truly represent the times we live in.

Chile’s assembly handed a completed constitutional draft to President Gabriel Boric, before making it available to the public. The citizens will now review the document over two months before deciding its fate in an obligatory referendum on September 4.

The making of the document

In May 2021, Chilean voters elected dozens of delegates to redraft their constitution. The set constitutional convention was split equally between men and women. Seventeen seats were reserved for the nation’s indigenous populations. This came after the 2019 spring protests, when citizens took to streets demanding social reform. 

Elisa Loncón, Mapuche linguist and indigenous rights activist, was elected president of the constitutional assembly, the body charged with writing the new constitution. The constitutional assembly took the assistance of the UN Human Rights Regional Office for South America project, Chile. 

“Never before have the indigenous communities of Chile been invited to help draft a new constitution,” remarked Loncón.

World’s longest constitution

The proposed constitution is the world’s longest, with 388 articles. It centres around social rights for marginalised groups, women, the indigenous and the disabled. It also guarantees rights around free speech, abortion, environment, health, water, housing, and publicly-funded national health service. The rights already present in the current constitution have been amplified in the new one.

The biggest difference from the existing constitution is that it will give official recognition to the indigenous peoples living in the country,…

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South metro Atlanta communities laying foundation to bridge digital divide – The Atlanta Journal Constitution



South metro Atlanta communities laying foundation to bridge digital divide   The Atlanta Journal Constitution

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How to prevent ID theft amid holidays and ‘data breach fatigue’ – Atlanta Journal Constitution

How to prevent ID theft amid holidays and ‘data breach fatigue’  Atlanta Journal Constitution

Last year’s massive data breach at Equifax highlighted the importance for consumers to take steps to protect their personal data. With holiday shopping in full …

“data breach” – read more