To commemorate Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day, Leong Mun Wai wrote that some of his wishes include a S$2,000 allowance for full-time NS men and for the voting age to be lowered to 18.
In a Facebook post on Friday (Jul 1) Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai (PSP) wrote: “This year marks 55 years of National Service and today is SAF Day. It is a day to celebrate the contributions made by all Singaporeans, men and women, past and present, to the defence of our nation”.
He added that National Service (NS) has helped to build our national identity. Mr Leong wrote that he was proud to be one of the thousands of Singaporean men who will be receiving the NS55 Recognition Package.
In his post, Mr Leong suggested that “all permanent residents (PRs) who want to become citizens must do NS. They should serve the two years of full-time NS service and ten years of reservist service like male Singapore citizens”.
He continued: “can we be more open to allowing our top talent easier deferment or even exemption from NS? Is it fair that we forfeit our local talents their chances of developing their talents while many new male citizens do not need to do NS?”
Mr Leong also called the NS55$100 cash credit per person “inadequate”. He said: “More recognition for NS should be given upfront. Firstly, the allowance for full-time NS should be increased to the minimum living wage recommended by PSP at $2,000 per month for the rank of a private. How can one defend his country if he cannot support himself financially. From the $2,000 level, the allowances for higher ranks can be adjusted accordingly”.
He added that the best recognition for NSFs would be to give them voting rights upon enlistment. This would mean pushing the voting age to 18.
“One who is ready to defend his country should be allowed to vote on the future of his country. At the same time, voting rights should be given to our women upon reaching the age of 18 as they too are ready to defend Singapore when they are called upon to do so”, Mr Leong said.
Netizens who commented on Mr Leong’s post were divided. While some agreed with him, others asked about the feasibility of his proposals.
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