From: zlim@bnr.ca (Zack Lim)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.asean
Subject: Re: Singapore Babies & NS ...
Date: 6 Apr 92 14:24:33 GMT
Reply-To: zlim@bnr.ca (Zack Lim)
Organization: Bell-Northern Research Ltd.

In article <uTNRiB1w164w@temasek.uucp>, harish@temasek.uucp (Harish Pillay) writes:
> 
|> Good for you, Zack.  At least you are honest about leaving Singapore
|> and that it was your reservist duties.  Good luck in Canada.

Thanks Harish.

|> 
|> ..............................  Being in the reserves, gives 
|> you even more options to lodge a protest/complaint.
|> 
I did, I even went to CMPB to talk to the Logistic Officer (CAPT by the way).
What I got in return was, we can't do anything.  That was about 3 months
before my next reservist training (the 5th one, I believe).  When I find 
that there was nothing done, I decided then to pack up and go.  You think
I like to leave Singapore?  My whole family members are back there, I have
no choice.  Reservist was a torture to me, at least that is for me.  I can't
speak for the rest.  Just to keep the story short... I went to University
after I serve my full time NS.  When I was back, all my friends from the 
same NS batch have full-filled their reservist training; on the other hand
due to the change in re-emphasis on Reservist, I was attached to the new
batch that has to do 13 years of reservist...... By the way, I was the OC
runner in my first 3 reservist training.  You must be thinking that as a 
runner I must be enjoying life.  Not true!  it wasn't my OC that is giving
me trouble, rather the 2 IC.  He was a young guy who doesn't care about
his men.  When I was with them, all I can hear each year is he wants to 
put every one on a charge (Guard room or fine).  I couldn't take any longer
and I request CMPB to down grade me to a rifle man.  That is when I feel
life was slightly better.  But that is not the point.  I feel that if I am
willing to serve the country, the government should at least listen to me.
I am not asking them to exempt me, but at least let me serve wisely.  I am
still willing to take those fitness test to prove myself physically fit.
They don't have to make me charge up the hill or bushes just to prove that
I am fit.  
 

|> [Now, don't give me the excuse that it is not worth the time etc.  If you are
|> sincerely pissed off, you should seek proper redress.  If not, hold your
|> peace.]

I did, see above.

|> me to update my particulars.  On reviewing my qualifications, training and 
|> experience, they *called* me up asking if I'd consider being posted to a comms 
|> department.  I was very surprised that they bothered to call me and ask if I 
|> would approve of my transfer.  I did accept for I felt that since they think
|> that I can be useful somewhere that uses my skills, it would be worth my
|> time.  Since I must do reservist, I might as well do something I like and 
|> spend my time fruitfully for after all it is something that I pay taxes for 
|> anyway.

Congratulation!!! You must be one of the chosen one.  I wish the NS reservist
would do the same thing.  Then, they won't have the brain-drain problem.
Believe me, all my friends who have immigrated have complain about the reservist.

|> ......  He (who is a Rhodes scholar), said this about NS:
|> 
|> "NS is the rule of the land.  You've got two choices.  One to say that you do 
|> not agree perform NS where by you have the choice of leaving the country after
|> surrendering your citizenship or two, go do NS and do the best you can.  If
|> you cannot beat them, join them.  If you do anything, do it to the best of
|> your ability, no matter how much you dislike it."
|> 
|> It was with that frame of mind that I went on to serve my NS and subsequently
|> my reservist duties.
|> 

I cannot beat them, so I decided not to join them.  I was patient, I gave them
5 years of my reservist training, to see if they will do something about it.
Incidentally, I did get request from CMPB to update my qualification but 
somehow they did not follow up with what they promised.

|> I do not believe in war - no matter what; nothing can ever justify war. 
|> Cultivation of friends should be the cornerstone of my country's foreign 
|> policy.   To a large extent, I'm glad that Singapore seems to be following 
|> that path.
|> 
|> NS, IMHO, serves to remind Singaporeans that the prosperity they enjoy comes
|> with a premium.  Just like paying insurance premiums, we pay as prosperity
|> premium, our sweat, time and effort spent doing full-time NS and then
|> reservist duties.

I totally agree with you.  However, I feel that as a citizen, we should at 
least get some benefit from the government.  We already sacrificed 2-3 years
of our life for the country, we should at least be treated special.  If I
don't get that benefit than there is some imbalance here.  Why should I 
sacrifice more for the government when they are not even willing to listen 
to me.  

|>    
|> I've always looked forward to reservists duties for it was a break from work
|> and a total change of scenery.  Above all, it is a time to renew old and make
|> new friendships.  'nuff said.

Good for you.  Unfortunately, it wasn't that good for some of us.  
In fact, my brother recently ask me if I plan to come back to Singapore.
I told him NO.  Not until they (govt)  do something about the reservist.  Maybe
when I retire or when my age is past reservist obligation.
|> 
|> Enjoy.
|> 
|> --
|> Harish Pillay                harish%temasek.uucp@cs.orst.edu
|> Bukit Purmei, Singapore.     harish@ece.orst.edu
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for giving me a chance to let out my steam. 


Zack Lim
Bell Northern Research LTD.
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