From Hri to all Thomsoners!

[...] There were two main criticisms of my proposal: it is xenophobic, and it “cheapens” National Service placing a monetary value to its performance. Let me briefly deal with them. Xenophobia Some [...]

[...] gain, and that they will abandon us at the slightest risk or sign of trouble. That is why National Service is such an emotional topic. Doing National Service, or giving an undertaking that your son [...]

[...] . We know the sacrifice all Singaporean males make, spending two years of their lives doing National Service, and doing reservist training for several years after that. It is a sacrifice not just of [...]

[...] with foreigners. There is merit in the argument that new citizens should serve some form of National Service, which can be modified depending on circumstances. My proposal however, deals with [...]

[...] to help them. I therefore urge the MND to government to focus on providing good quality public housing for the masses – for the benefit of most, Singaporeans. MND can offer a suite of choices with [...]

[...] Government should get out of the EC/DBSS market altogether. Government’s role is to provide public housing for the masses. It is not to help people own private property. The latter is an aspiration [...]

[...] -condominiums/504055682974367. Why do we have income ceilings? Initially, it was thought that public housing should be for some, not all, Singaporeans. Those who could afford it should buy private [...]

[...] get priority. - Families with children who escape NS should be required by law to take up private property and not be eligible to stay in HDBs, DBSS and ECs even under the private market. - Families [...]

[...] have is a minefield of rules and regulations on the differences between HDB, DBSS, EC and private property many do not understand, so that there are no loopholes. But these will always exist, and we [...]

[...] . But because it is such a good deal, those who could otherwise have afforded to purchase private property, are buying ECs as well. Some who cannot afford it are doing it with the help of parents or [...]

[...] a large family, medical issues or elderly parents to support. Further, the high price of private property makes it difficult for those just above the ceiling to buy a home. Besides, a Singaporean [...]

[...] specific proposals as I did not want them lost in the wider debate. I offer one now. The National Defence Duty I propose levying a National Defence Duty on PRs and foreigners living in Singapore. I [...]

Thanks to all who have responded. I thought it might be useful at this stage to clarify a couple of things. One is the assertion that my proposal en [...]

[...] My suggestion of a national defence duty has sparked a lively debate. I would like to thank you for the many comments and [...]

[...] believes that the current sanctions against this are adequate. That was why I proposed the National Defence Duty - as a practical response to a practical problem. We cannot force people to remain in [...]

[...] will not, when we are dealing with Singaporean businesses, Singaporean owners, Singaporean employees, Singaporean shareholders, all supporting Singaporean children and families. Ultimately, [...]

[...] maids will be allowed in. If your business folds, and you have to lay-off your Singaporean employees, tough, but the Government should think of a solution to help you. And we all have [...]

[...] despite their best attempts or that Singaporeans are unrealistic about pay and benefits; Singaporean employees who say they have been discriminated against because their employers want to hire cheaper [...]

[...] and penalties, over and above the bond which is forfeited. Likewise, those who give up their PR status. This should take care of what I think is a current anomaly. When PR parents send their sons [...]

[...] talk money?” – but what are the practical alternatives? One is to forfeit the parents' PR status. That is a serious step which requires more consideration. Finally, there are some who [...]

[...] stay here. But we can make it so costly that they would think twice, three times before taking PR status or arranging for their child to dodge NS. As with all proposals, some liked it; some criticised [...]

[...] published in the ST on 25 Feb, in response to its editorial on Saturday: The editorial "NS Tax would cheapen a solemn duty" (ST 23 February) says all the right things, but avoids the [...]

[...] government procedures and applications - Companies who employ those who escape NS by paying this NS tax must ensure that all NSmen applicants are hired first or face stiff penalties and potential loss [...]