Comments on: National Service for new citizen?

By: Mazlan Mohamed

Mazlan Mohamed — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:25:32 +0000

Before they start generating new ideas into this country, they have to proof themselves worthy to be citizens by sacrificing themselves in her defence.
By the way, if Singapore wasn’t what she is today would you new citizens come to settle down here?

By: Grey

Grey — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:53:26 +0000

NCT (new citizens tax)?
Remember when new companies had a 5yr tax discount because we wanted them to set up shop here? When top management is used to buying whatever they want, don’t be surprised when new citizens are offered the same to help them settle in and take root. (New citizen integration tax rebate only available if you are NOT in an opposition ward)

By: dk

dk — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:50:19 +0000

roxy.z: Yeap, I’ve seen that letter. And I’m praying that not all new citizen thinks the same way. Else we are in deep shit.

By: roxy.z

roxy.z — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:15:00 +0000

have you read the response to this letter by this guy, a foreigner? http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_415050.html

Every new citizen should do the National Service no matter what, because i know some of them who actually use Singapore citizenship to get the green card. They use this as a stepping stone.
.-= roxy.z´s last blog ..Lifes perspective. =-.

By: The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 33

The Singapore Daily » Blog Archive » Weekly Roundup: Week 33 — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:09:15 +0000

[...] Service – Dee Kay Dot As Gee: National Service for new citizen? – Military Life: NS for adult new citizens not practical (You sure or not?) [Thanks Panzer] – [...]

By: dk

dk — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:20:18 +0000

Panzer: Some of the ideas are flawed. But I’m sure with some refinement, it would be perfect. Do let me know if you are running for the next election. I’ll rally votes for you. Wahahhahahaha.

Shan: I really think we are giving out citizenship too easily.

By: Shan

Shan — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:00:19 +0000

Well, I believe we’ll have to look into the whole built up of the “new citizen”. The fact is that, the key attraction for foreigners to queue up to come to SG, isn’t because she’s some big-ass cool-nice-free-(with all positive adjective) country.

The fact that govt is relaxing on the requirements to be part of us, shows how much they(we) badly want them to come. So adding on compulsories like serving some NS of any kinds, serves as a disincentive to attract them to be sg-reans.

Hence by setting up this regulation is simply shooting their(our) own foot.

Of cos, I’m not making any value judgment on whether I support your idea or not. The fact is, I do agree with what you mentioned, as it is simply fair, just that it doesn’t compliment with the ongoing efforts to attract more citizens.

By: Panzer

Panzer — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:43:37 +0000

Daniel

I don’t know. I’m not paid $1,000,000 a year as Minister for Manpower or Minister for Home Affairs or Minister for Babies to worry about such issues of whether Singapore Citizenship would be desirable.

If you paid me a mere $250,000 a year, I would be happy to put on my thinking cap and think of at least 10 win-win solutions how we can entice foreigners to take up citizenship and contribute to Singapore both economically and in terms of defence.

Heck, for the fun of it, I’ll do the first 5 for “free”:

1) Tax newly minted adult citizens a defence tax of say, 5% of annual income to fund defence budget. Call it a NCT (new citizens tax)

2) Newly minted citizens to do 2 to 21 days of community service a year for next 10 years. Any community service exceeding 3 hours would be reimbursed $10. This is based on CDAC volunteer reimbursement rates that I experienced while as a volunteer for 3+ years.

3) New adult citizens to volunteer as traffic sign (lollipop) holders for 2-21 days each year. Helps alleviate Singaporean volunteers who try to get their children

4) New adult citizens can volunteer at national events e.g NDP, they get to watch the previews free-of-charge and help guide traffic, be road marshals, pack NDP goodie bags and much much more! Free KFC/Pizza hut lunches included!

5) New adult citizens can provide free carpool to work for their Singaporean colleagues. Each free ride for Singaporean gets them 0.5 day off their 2-21 days obligations to do community service.

Majullah Singapura.

By: dk

dk — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:58:31 +0000

Daniel: If National Service is going to be the deciding factor, then I rather these people not come to Singapore.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:41:06 +0000

Do you think Singaporean citizenship would still be desirable enough that Singapore would still be able to attract new citizens? I worry that only foreigners who are female would want it given the added duties of national service.