VOICES OF THE YOUTH
Reporter: Theron Ho
Debates on National Service for women have been ongoing for
quite some time. Some are in favor, others against, a few are neutral – but all
have an opinion on the subject. We have heard the voices of citizens, but what
about the voices of the youth?
One might expect the boys to call for equality, or girls to say
that they are ill suited for a military role. While this might be true, it is
simply a small piece in a bigger picture.
“It depends,” says Joelyn Alexandra, a 25-year-old editor,
when asked if women should be conscripted. “Everyone is serving NS in some form
or another – National Service isn’t just about the army.”
“If females are to serve NS, it should be different from the
males,” said Clin Lai, a 21-year old preschool teacher. Ms Lai also commented
on how the two genders are graded differently in terms of NAFTA, adding that
‘NS should be different as well’.
On the other hand, Melvin Toh, a 23-year-old NSman and graduate
from Temasek Polytechnic, disagrees. “All genders should be equal (in NS) –
even if they play different roles. Everyone should experience it,” he said,
mentioning how it should be ‘shorter’ but ‘compulsory for all’.
Voluntary service, meanwhile, has the backing of 17-year old
student Kingsley Kuan Jun Hao. “Singapore cannot win a numbers game,” he said.
“A technical voluntary force would be better.”
Another student, 19-year-old Zaw hin Htoo, felt NS should be
compulsory – but not military service. “Not everyone may be comfortable with
holding a weapon,” he said. “A woman who chooses to fight would be better than
a reluctant male fighter.”
