By Ng Eng Hen

Today-Aug 6

Deferment from national service must be for Singapore’s national interests and cannot be for an individual, no matter how talented, to pursue his own interests or career, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Monday (Aug 6), as he underlined the importance of upholding the principles of universality and equity in NS. Speaking in Parliament, Dr Ng also explained why the Ministry of Defence rejected the deferment request of footballer Ben Davis and how performing one’s NS duties and pursuing national aspirations for sports excellence need not be mutually exclusive. This is a transcript of his speech.

Read more at: https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/ns-deferments-must-follow-principles-national-security-universality-and-equity

First published in: Today