The National Day Rally (NDR) is a significant event in Singapore, where the Prime Minister shares his plans for the nation’s future. However, during this year’s NDR on August 20th, Law & Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam was noticeably absent, raising questions among netizens. This absence isn’t new; in fact, Mr. Shanmugam has earned the moniker “designated survivor” due to his consistent exclusion from major national events. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind his absence and the crucial role he plays in Singapore’s governance.
K Shanmugam’s Absence
The absence of Law & Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam from major national events, including the NDR, has not gone unnoticed. While most Cabinet ministers attended the Prime Minister’s speech in person, Mr. Shanmugam was notably absent. He took to social media, particularly Facebook, to address the curiosity surrounding his absence and shed light on the role he plays during these events.
K Shanmugam’s consistent absence from events with the full Cabinet has led to an interesting nickname: Singapore’s “designated survivor.”
This term draws inspiration from the popular concept seen in movies and TV shows, where a designated individual is kept away from a major event to ensure the continuity of leadership in case of a catastrophic incident.
The Minister’s Explanation
On August 22nd, K Shanmugam explained his absence from the NDR through a detailed post on his Facebook and Instagram accounts. He acknowledged that he is frequently asked about his non-attendance at major events and stated that he gives the same response every year. The Law Minister clarified that during significant gatherings where the entire Cabinet is present, he remains outside as a precautionary measure.
Mr. Shanmugam elaborated on the rationale behind his absence. As the Law & Home Affairs Minister, he shoulders the responsibility of being ready to handle any unforeseen incidents that might arise during these events. By staying outside the gathering, he ensures that he can take immediate action in case of emergencies or critical situations.
Shanmugam’s statement
[Absent from NDR]
A few have asked me about my absence from PM’s NDR.
I get asked this every year, and I give the same answer
We have major Events, like NDP, NDR, attended by the full Cabinet. I am often the Minister designated to stay outside of these Events. If any incident takes place, I will have to deal with the situation.
Thus I haven’t attended major events (when the Cabinet is present at the event ), for some years now.