National Service (NS) is a touchy topic. It is a thorn in the side of Singaporean men, forced to serve for two years and commit to reservist training for years after. For years men have felt victimised; the phrase “Jobs for FT, NS for Singaporeans” is a prime example of how conscription has been has been framed as a symbol of injustice.
Men often play the NS card when it comes to discussions of gender equality, telling women that until they have been conscripted they have no right to speak out on sexism. This tactic is also adopted when conversations on immigration arise; foreigners' rights should always be secondary to ours because they have served in our military. Full story
