The #SAF has an important place in our society. Boyfriends, husbands and sons serve alongside brave women who choose to be in the SAF and protect us, watch over us, so that we may sleep better…
My recent comments on National Service appear to have caused a stir. Let me clarify what was said.
At a REACHSingapore post-Budget dialogue, a participant had commented that “it’s rubbish” for house-husbands with no recorded income to be paid a NSman service pay (allowance) of the same level as a working NSman. Many in the audience shook their heads in disagreement.
Later on, another participant in his late 40s voiced a different perspective. Having served NS himself, he is proud to be involved in the defense of his home country. He also noted the “service pay (allowance) has increased over time and is much more than when he served as a NSF.”
Sensing the disquiet in the room, I shared my view that the contributions of NSmen cannot be valued in monetary terms. What the SAF provides by way of the allowance cannot be used to measure the high levels of their contribution – it cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
… I still recall the time my late grandma cried, when my uncle Peter started serving NS. Then, it became my turn when my then-boyfriend (now husband) went to train overseas. We missed them of course. But it was also the realisation that it’s no easy task to keep our homeland safe. This Singapore50 (#SAF50) and any other time, the sacrifices of our NSmen and the support of their families are well-appreciated.
I hope this clarifies. — Jo Teo
[Photo credits: The Art of Mezame for SAFRA]
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Overheard :
- SMS Josephine Teo ‘clarifies’ what she said during a REACH session, saying that an NS man’s contribution cannot be measured in dollars and cents.To me her original words were already crystal clear, and it was the usual hate sites that twisted her words to suit their agenda. And those who cannot appreciate the meaning of National Service will still insist on being paid more, and will never be satisfied. They will continue to twist her words.I have faith that the majority of Singaporeans are not like that.
- Once in our life, two years of our time. Have you ever wonder why must we serve?When the japanese came, the British lay down their arms and rise their hand to surrender.Yes, we might not see another war in our life time but the reason for such is that we have a strong army to deter any idea of mounting a war on this little red dot.
The value in serving with two years of our time cannot be calculated in dollars and cents.
We do it for the seek of having a safe country for our parents, wife, our childrens and friends. Not for the dollars & cents!
- The sacrifice made by our Singapore’s sons to serve the nation are priceless.
- I can’t put a value and a price for national service. I wonder what would be a reasonable amount if we had to?
To me every Singaporean son is priceless. Every Singaporean is priceless too..
