Death of NDP rehearsal participant prompts safety reaffirmation and public debate
A 47-year-old auxiliary police officer collapsed and died during an NDP rehearsal on 21 June 2025, prompting reaffirmations of safety measures and sparking public debate on the rigours of national celebrations.
- A 47-year-old Certis auxiliary police officer, Mr Muhammad Adzri Abdul Adziz, collapsed and died during an NDP rehearsal on 21 June 2025.
- Mindef reaffirmed safety measures, noting the presence of medical staff, evacuation protocols, and ambulances.
- The incident has prompted public and political debate on the demands of national celebrations and participant welfare.
Mr Muhammad Adzri Abdul Adziz, a 47-year-old auxiliary police officer with Certis, collapsed during a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang on 21 June 2025.
He was part of the OneChangi contingent, which represents nine civilian organisations including Certis and Changi Airport Group (CAG).
The incident occurred at approximately 11:23am. Despite immediate medical attention, Mr Adzri was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
Emergency response
According to the Ministry of Defence (Mindef), Mr Adzri was attended to within minutes at the on-site medical post by the duty medical officer.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out, but he remained unresponsive. By 11:40am, he was transferred to an ambulance and taken to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 12:20pm.
Official confirmations and condolences
Mindef and CAG confirmed the incident on 21 June, issuing condolences to Mr Adzri’s family the following day.
Mindef reiterated that safety remains a top priority for all NDP activities. “The safety and well-being of our participants are, and continue to be, our utmost priority,” it said in a statement.
Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli identified the deceased in a Facebook post on 22 June, describing Mr Adzri as a Tampines resident. He also shared that he had personally paid respects to the bereaved family.
Safety protocols in place
Mindef explained that all NDP participants are required to submit health declarations and are reminded not to continue rehearsals if they feel unwell.
Safety measures include the presence of medical officers at the site, established evacuation procedures, and standby ambulances.
Mindef stressed that despite such safeguards, medical emergencies can still occur unexpectedly.
Public concerns
The death has sparked public debate on the pressures faced by NDP participants.
Some commentators on social media suggested that the wording of official statements risked implying fault on Mr Adzri’s part, particularly the reminder that participants could opt out if unwell.
Others questioned whether participants genuinely have the freedom to step aside, given the discipline and expectations tied to the parade.
Political reactions
The tragedy also prompted political commentary. Ravi Philemon, secretary-general of Red Dot United, wrote on Facebook about the physical and symbolic costs of staging elaborate national celebrations.
“Who’s paying the price to keep the illusion of unity alive?” he asked.
His remarks drew polarised responses, with some supporting his critique and others accusing him of politicising a personal tragedy.
NDP 2025 preparations
NDP 2025, scheduled for 9 August at the Padang and Marina Bay, will feature 18 civilian contingents alongside military units. The OneChangi group, in which Mr Adzri was participating, is among them.
The parade, a longstanding tradition, is intended to foster national pride and unity. However, the incident has reignited debate about the intensity of rehearsals and the expectations placed on participants.
Support for the family
Mindef and CAG stated they are providing support to Mr Adzri’s family. The case is being handled as a State Coroner’s inquiry.
Further investigations will determine the cause of death and review the health and safety measures in place during rehearsals.
