I wrote this note to MINDEF and SAF staff:
When emotions are running high, we must respect the decisions made by our Courts, who have come to an objective and impartial assessment given all the facts. The Coroner’s inquiry has ruled on the cause of the death of PTE Lee Rui Feng Dominique Sarron. The High Court judgement in awarding MINDEF costs is based on sound legal grounds and precedents. But we need not add to the pain and anguish of the family of the late PTE Lee. We should waive the costs to the family.
We should also emphasise to our SAF commanders that they should continue to train their men professionally, with due regard for safety regulations. I know that our commanders care for their men and that no one wishes for their trainees to be injured or worse still, face death. We must learn from every accident, fix lapses and improve. This is the way we honour all those who have given their all to build a strong and honourable SAF.
Source: Ng Eng Hen
