Originally posted by depressed:
SINGAPORE : Pianist Melvyn Tan, the man at the centre of
the recent controversy over National Service evasion, said he would
defer his public appearance at the Esplanade and not be a judge in
a local competition.
He said he came back to Singapore knowing full well he could face a
jail term.
Mr Tan said he was driven by the desire to contribute to the arts
in Singapore and see his parents.
He was fined for evading National Service, causing unhappiness
among some Singaporeans who are against a fine for NS
evaders.
In the debate that followed, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said he
is in favour of firm sentences.
Mr Teo also said the Defence Ministry was reviewing penalties
imposed on those who evade National Service, with the view to
asking for stiffer sentences.
In an open letter to Singaporeans, Mr Tan said he is sad and
dismayed he has become the cause of the uproar.
He said he was not given special treatment in court because of his
profession.
[b]Mr Tan said what has happened has caused his parents and him
anguish, and he has decided to defer public appearances for the NS
debate and to continue without his further aggravating
it.
He said he hoped one day he would still to be able to perform in
Singapore, and be able to tell through music what he has found
difficult to put into words
At least he's smart to realise Singapore isnt for him. All the best
in his career and future in the UK. Singaporeans are just too
narrow minded to arrow him while ignoring the larger NS slavery
system at hand.
[/b]
Thats Singapore for u. Sometimes they see the large issue and
fail to see the even larger issue at hand. Oh well. Singapore's
loss.
