Daddies across Singapore would be up in arms.
First generation Permanent Residents, and new citizens can volunteer to serve National Service from tomorrow (13Oct), following a new initiative by the Singapore Armed Forces. They can choose to serve either a 4-month in-camp stint, or spread this out over several weekends. They’ll even be allowed to choose their National Service vocations. Women will also be allowed to volunteer. The first intake will commence next year.
Iron-Fist over Singaporean Men
It’s a good move by the SAF to engage our new citizens and PRs in national security, but the terms of the deal are simply an insult to Singaporeans. We’re forced to serve more than 2 years of NS. Some even have to give up prestigious overseas university scholarships because of inflexible army regulations. Yet the SAF bends when it comes to our new recruits, giving them so much flexibility. Spreading the 4-week stint “over weekends? This might as well be called SAF Club Med.
Double-Standards in Commitment
The SAF expects Singaporeans to sacrifice for their country, but says it shouldn’t tie down these fresh-from-the-oven locals because they “will not give their best”. It gives them a choice of vocation, but not Singaporeans. Is it possible that the powers that be believe Singaporeans can’t be trusted to choose the vocation that they can serve the best in, even though it might be the toughest? If true, that is an utter insult to born and bred citizens.
Second-Class Local Citizens
Square pegs rarely fit in round wholes, unless they come under a whole lot of pounding. New recruits can choose the vocations they believe they will excel in, and where does that leave our square-peg Singaporean men? Under their leadership of course. New citizens, doing a short-term stint, lording over full-fledged locals of 18 years and over — this just highlights who the SAF considers important in the overall scheme of things. Even if the new recruits can show our local sons a thing or two, how will this setup affect the morale, and the loyalty of our troops?
In Sum
Shoot the scholars who came up with this new system. No, that would be an unnecessary waste of ammunition on undeserving dim bulbs. Rather, let’s praise them. Boys, this new initiative simply highlights how much your country values you, in comparison to someone fresh off the boat. Forget the patriotic national day messages. Forget the heartstring-tugging advertisements. Action speaks much louder than words. And the SAF has spoken.
MdAlias
October 13, 2014 at 9:23 am
who is the bloody idiot scumbag who came up with this suggestion? I hope its not an initiative from some SAF WITS suggestion or from a scholar graduate. Dun let me trace this bugger, i will knock him/her down at the pedestrian crossing! Farking stupid brainless asshole!
SomeGuy
October 13, 2014 at 1:09 pm
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/mobile/singapore/saf-volunteer-corps/1411162.html
Ah Hia
October 13, 2014 at 3:33 pm
i think this article is rather misleading, it insinuates that new citizens and PR no longer need to serve the full NS but instead take this SAFVC.
but i think SAFVC are only for those who are new citizens but exempted from NS (like too old) and they wish to volunteer.
last i checked NC PR and 2nd Gen PR within the age group needs to report for NS
Redwire Singapore
October 15, 2014 at 11:21 pm
the key question is, how would you feel as a Singaporean who’s had to serve more than 2 years of NS, when you find out you aren’t getting the same privileges as someone off the boat.
Ronald Mclovin
October 16, 2014 at 7:01 pm
This may not be the ideal initiative but it certainly closes the gap. In the past, they didnt have and couldn’t do anything, now at least there’s an option to do something.
SK.H
October 14, 2014 at 1:18 pm
Eh! Im a PR born and raised in SG. i finish serving 2years NS and ORD 3years ago. finish 2 reservist cycle and 8 more years to go. WTF is this bullshit over here?
Redwire Singapore
October 15, 2014 at 11:19 pm
Precisely. You served 2 years, not 4 weeks.
Low Soon Peng
October 14, 2014 at 2:19 pm
It is so true that it hurts. So sad.
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"UNDEAD"
October 16, 2014 at 8:55 pm
If Singapore has war will the new “PRs and New citizens” defends our country?????….yes no maybe…….just asking……
Liu Renxing
October 17, 2014 at 10:17 am
It is a mother fking insult to me
Fk why do I have to serve two year when other PRs serve 4 month
Keep In Mind
October 26, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Please do keep in mind that this does not change anything. First generation PRs and new citizens always had the privilege of not having to serve NS due to the fact that they are skilled and are contributing to the economy of Singapore.
However, second generation PRs still has to serve for 2 years, just like you did.
Keep In Mind
October 26, 2014 at 10:02 pm
Please do keep in mind that this does not change anything. First generation PRs and new citizens always had the privilege of not having to serve NS due to the fact that they are skilled and are contributing to the economy of Singapore.
However, second generation PRs still has to serve for 2 years, just like you did.
Shubhangi
July 1, 2015 at 5:35 pm
I am a first generation PR and I think this practice how much ever nice it is for us..it is unfair because no matter how new we are, we would like to be treated equally. I feel that even if I am a first generation PR, I want to fit in and be as much a part of Singapore as a Singaporean because I love the country as much as anyone else.. 😛
Disclaimer: This is just my opinion. It could be different for someone else..