Did he get off too lightly?

I think so, and so do many netizens too. The recent newspaper article (The Sunday Times, Nov 20, 2005, pgs 8-9) shone light on pianist Melvyn Tan, who has defaulted his NS 28 years ago. The 49-year old pianist, who has lived in UK for the past 37 years, paid a fine of $5,000 after the court hearing. According to the Enlistment Act, "those who evade national service can be fined up to $5,000 or sent to jail for up to three years, or both." The pianist has about 30 recordings to his name and a regular touring schedule in Europe, and made his mark in the classical world with his performances on the fortepiano.

So, a guy with a successful career, by escaping the country, work/live/study overseas, and come back to pay an interesting $5k fine.

In my opinion, he has set a precedent to all. The fact being, you can go overseas when young, default NS, not return to Singapore, earn a big living, and then return, just to pay a fine. And $5,000 is not that much compared to the thousands he earns in his touring performances, and it would be peanuts.

Thus, why the precedent?

Avoiding 2.5 years of NS with 9 cycles of reservists, plus staying overseas, certainly is tempting. Basically, it seemed like you can "get out of NS with cash". And if that's the case, why wouldn't other parents consider this for their child, who have to surrender 2.5 years (now 2 years) of their life serving NS? They might consider migrating overseas, using Melvyn's case as an example.

Indeed, I fear for the lashbacks and after-effects of such a precedent being set. That being said, there might be more parents sending their kids overseas to study and work, and ensure that they make it big overseas. Work hard there, do not come back.

A wrong message sent, indeed.

A good thing would be to update the law, increase the fine or jail term, to prevent people from having thoughts of defaulting NS! If NS can be defaulted so easily, I'd bet it's an easy way out for a lot of people.

All people are equal? Maybe not, after all.

Current Music: S.E.N.S