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[h=2]Lee Kuan Yew: National Service is now widely ‘accepted’ by Singaporeans[/h]Posted by temasektimes on May 19, 2012
Since compulsory National Service (NS) was introduced in Singapore in 1967, it is now widely ‘accepted’ by Singaporeans, proclaimed former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Speaking at a forum for top SAF generals, Mr Lee said that as a small country, Singapore needs a strong armed forces to ensure its continued survival.
“Without a strong Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), there is no economic future and there is no security,” he said.
Mr Lee added that NS is also now widely ‘accepted’ by Singaporeans which was achieved because the government was prepared to spend on defence needs over many years.
He also warned that Singapore’s shrinking population will have an impact on its security in the future.
“The serious problem of a shrinking demography will impact not only Singapore’s economic future but also its security,” he quipped.
The dialogue, with the theme “Security Challenges for Singapore”, was also attended by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
All Singaporean born males have to serve 2 years of NS followed by many more years of reservist service. In contrast, new male citizens and PRs are exempted from NS which has become a sore point of contention among many Singaporeans in recent years.

Speaking at a forum for top SAF generals, Mr Lee said that as a small country, Singapore needs a strong armed forces to ensure its continued survival.
“Without a strong Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), there is no economic future and there is no security,” he said.
Mr Lee added that NS is also now widely ‘accepted’ by Singaporeans which was achieved because the government was prepared to spend on defence needs over many years.
He also warned that Singapore’s shrinking population will have an impact on its security in the future.
“The serious problem of a shrinking demography will impact not only Singapore’s economic future but also its security,” he quipped.
The dialogue, with the theme “Security Challenges for Singapore”, was also attended by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
All Singaporean born males have to serve 2 years of NS followed by many more years of reservist service. In contrast, new male citizens and PRs are exempted from NS which has become a sore point of contention among many Singaporeans in recent years.