Why use Gurkhas when we can use S'pore police to safeguard s
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http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/forum/story/0,5562,351989,00.html?
I always find it strange and uneasy whenever I see Gurkha policemen, often armed with sub-machine guns, deployed to provide guard duty in some public places. It creates a disquieting atmosphere.
I notice that Gurkhas are increasingly deployed in more vital installations such as ferry terminals, Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, the homes of high-level government officers, and some foreign properties.
I can understand the need to increase the level of security in the light of the increased terrorist threat. But why use the Gurkhas? Why don't we use our own Singapore policemen?
The only reason I can be think of is that the government trusts the Gurkhas and considers them highly-skilled, given their discipline, courage and dedication.
But this begs a question: are we not having many well-trained police officers who are equally tough, skilled and most of all, loyal?
As I see it, deploying the Gurkhas in public places gives a wrong signal to Singaporeans about Singapore's ability to protect its own citizens with its own security people.
Worse, it gives foreign visitors an impression that Singapore is not capable of providing its own security personnel and has to employ Gurkhas to protect the country.
Looking back, the Gurkha contingent was first introduced in Singapore in 1949 by the British government to battle the communist threat and racial violence.
At that time, the local police were perceived to be biased towards their own communities and the deployment of the Gurkha contingent was essential as it carried out its duties impartially when dealing with civil disturbances. But it's been 40 years since Singapore's independence. What is the logic for the government to continue relying on the Gurkhas to protect our people and assets?
As Singapore is now more developed, the government has built up a strong and multi-ethnic police force that is efficient, trustworthy, impartial and loyal.
It has an elite police tactical unit (PTU) that is used to manage serious situations such as civil unrest and cases involving firearms. Many in the older generations will surely remember these feared PTU officers, then called the reserve unit, with their batons and body shields during those turbulence years in the 60s.
After the 9/11 incident, the police has started deploying the PTU since 2004 to patrol more public places such as Orchard Road and Holland Road to address terrorism concerns.
If the PTU officers can be used in such places, they should be used in other key installations as well instead of deploying the Gurkhas. The Gurkhas should be reserved for cases involving major security threats only. We should and must be able to protect our own people.
Seah Leong Khai
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My reply to Seah is:
Because local police are on standby for dangerous plycard wielding demonstrators and rammaging white elephants. -
and mine wld be..
I feel safer with Gurkhas den S'pore police.
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i dont think spore police r up to standard as gurkhas...
i prefer to be in a place where i feel safe with someone suitable to guard the place n is not a local..than to be in a place where is guarded by a local n m unsure of how capable they r -
if u tok abt physical fitness and combat efficiency i think gurkha will win our locals generally
who found our tekong robbers ? -
Maybe the Lees need their protection?
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they r loyal, they are damn fit. they fight until their last drop of blood...
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there is a thread on this already.
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Some of the Gurkhas are specially trained to blocked bullets for the important figures. -
Abit crude, but why sacrifice your own people when you can sacrifice others, maybe this is their reasoning.
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Maybe they forsee a possible rebellion by the people and hence only the gurkhas can be depended upon to protect them and shoot to kill instead of singaporean police?
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because its cheaper to hire Gurkhas ?
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because Gurkhas are a "neutral" race, ie not Chinese, Malay, or Indian?
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Gurkhas are trained to obey orders.
local? complain this complain that and eat snake.
have you ever seen them guarding those important place?
take my hats off them. they can stand under the sun without moving for hours... -
when things go bad.. anything can happened. will you shoot into a group of angry protestors make up by your families, relatives, or even friends you meet every other days?
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they are like the real version of Superman... compared to our locals.Originally posted by digicharat:Gurkhas are trained to obey orders.
local? complain this complain that and eat snake.
have you ever seen them guarding those important place?
take my hats off them. they can stand under the sun without moving for hours...
heard that in the manhunt for the Tekong robbers, our people peng san ... and guess who caught most of the 3 guys
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Yes. this is the most political answer to threadstarter.Originally posted by kc_leung:because Gurkhas are a "neutral" race, ie not Chinese, Malay, or Indian?
It's not that we cannot use local POs. But they are 'rendered ineffective' in powers when it comes to racial issues.
SG is a racially sensitive country.
Cheers -
Yep gurhkas are seen as a neutral force. besides that they are loyal and fierce.
Besides us UK are oso using them for combat.
They help to free the police from other duties.
The PTU is the old name for the STAR team. The STAR team is equivalent to SWAT. so if you wan men with balaclavas outside buildings, i think it would frighten even more people. -
It's not about money la ....
Gurkha is loyal , extremely royal , to the extend of dying for their employer .
And most Gurkha are lethal ... very lethal , they are train to kill , for the right reason .
They're discipline , no bribe can bribe them through .
Gurkha are extremely fit . Most Mt Evertest mountaineering guide are either Sherpa or Gurkha . This show how fit they are . -
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gurkhas r disciplined, fit and loyal and gd in rescue operations
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My reply to Cindy is:Originally posted by Cindyfeh:My reply to Seah is:
Because local police are on standby for dangerous plycard wielding demonstrators and rammaging white elephants.
Because
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You can mess with the rangers or the navy seals but not the gurkhas -
Gurkha is foreign talent....
Do they have a sense of protection for Singapore deep in their heart? -
question question!!!
compare with commandos/SOF and gurkhas...
which is more fierce?
like if they ever come and battle it out... who will win? -
I'd take our SOF anyday.The motivation to bleed for one's nation is more than the loyalty to one's employer IMHO.Originally posted by digicharat:question question!!!
compare with commandos/SOF and gurkhas...
which is more fierce?
like if they ever come and battle it out... who will win?