Exemption from National Service
The Singapore Government just announced its annual budget for 2006. It is filled with goodies (read money) for every Singaporean. However, I am not eligible for the one-time cash handout of S$400 for those who have completed their National Service in Singapore. National Service (NS) is compulsory in Singapore for all males, where they serve for two years in Singapore's National Defence forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Defence, etc.), somewhat akin to conscription.
I am not eligible for this cash handout even though I am a male and a Singapore citizen because I never served NS. I was exempt from conscription although the powers that be never explained to me the reason for my exemption. Most Singaporean, especially males, would envy my exemption status. It meant that I had 2 more years of my life to pursue my interest and/or studies, or 2 more years to earn some income, and 2 more years to build up that bank of working experience which is so important in moving up the career ladder.
To give you another idea of how 'privileged' exemption is, those who migrate to avoid NS cannot return to the country without incurring some form of penalty imposed by the law. This is the case of Melvyn Tan, the renown Singaporean-turned-British musician, whose case was highlighted in the press and Singapore Parliament, no less, in the past month or so.
Without official word, my best guess is that my exemption is due to my epilepsy. Well, years later, today, to be exact, this exemption is turning out to be a financial loss for me.
I think you are beginning to see that people who suffer from epilepsy have to take the road less traveled. In spite of it all, there is still a road to travel.
I am not eligible for this cash handout even though I am a male and a Singapore citizen because I never served NS. I was exempt from conscription although the powers that be never explained to me the reason for my exemption. Most Singaporean, especially males, would envy my exemption status. It meant that I had 2 more years of my life to pursue my interest and/or studies, or 2 more years to earn some income, and 2 more years to build up that bank of working experience which is so important in moving up the career ladder.
To give you another idea of how 'privileged' exemption is, those who migrate to avoid NS cannot return to the country without incurring some form of penalty imposed by the law. This is the case of Melvyn Tan, the renown Singaporean-turned-British musician, whose case was highlighted in the press and Singapore Parliament, no less, in the past month or so.
Without official word, my best guess is that my exemption is due to my epilepsy. Well, years later, today, to be exact, this exemption is turning out to be a financial loss for me.
I think you are beginning to see that people who suffer from epilepsy have to take the road less traveled. In spite of it all, there is still a road to travel.
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