The death of a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal participant has prompted a reaffirmation of safety protocols and stirred public debate over the rigours of national celebrations.
Mr Muhammad Adzri Abdul Adziz, a 47-year-old Certis auxiliary police officer, collapsed during a rehearsal at the Padang on 21 June 2025 and was later pronounced dead. He was part of the OneChangi contingent, representing nine civilian companies, including Certis and Changi Airport Group (CAG), for the NDP 2025 parade and ceremony segment.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:23am. Mr Adzri was immediately transported to the on-site medical post, where he was attended to by the medical officer on duty within minutes.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered, but he remained unresponsive. He was transferred to an ambulance by around 11:40am and taken to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 12:20pm.
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and CAG confirmed the incident on 21 June, with further details and condolences issued the next day.
Mindef stated that all NDP participants are required to submit a health declaration and are reminded not to continue if they feel unwell. “The safety and well-being of our participants are, and continue to be, our utmost priority,” said the ministry in its statement.
Mindef also noted that despite robust protocols—including the presence of on-site medical officers, established evacuation procedures, and standby ambulances—medical emergencies can still occur.
Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli, who is also a Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC, identified the deceased in a Facebook post on 22 June. Mr Masagos shared that he had paid his respects to Mr Adzri’s family on the same day, describing him as a Tampines resident.
Public reactions to the incident have been mixed. Some individuals on social media expressed concern about the tone of official statements, suggesting they inadvertently implied fault lay with Mr Adzri.
Others questioned whether participants genuinely have the autonomy to step out of rehearsals if they feel unwell, especially given the disciplined nature of such events.
The incident has also drawn political attention. Red Dot United’s secretary-general, Ravi Philemon, wrote a detailed Facebook post questioning the costs—literal and figurative—of staging elaborate NDP celebrations.
“Who’s paying the price to keep the illusion of unity alive?” he asked. His remarks prompted polarised responses, with some supporting his critique while others accused him of politicising a tragic event.
NDP 2025, scheduled for 9 August at the Padang and Marina Bay, will feature 18 civilian contingents in total, including the OneChangi group.
While the parade is a longstanding tradition meant to foster national pride and unity, the tragic loss has reignited discussions around the intensity and expectations placed on participants.
Mindef and CAG have stated they are providing support to Mr Adzri’s family and that the matter is being handled as a State Coroner’s case.
Further investigations are expected to determine the cause of death, including a review of health and safety protocols during rehearsals.
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