When swimmer Joseph Schooling was allowed to defer
National Service (NS) in 2013 to train for the Olympics, that was
"based on known conditions" - and if he continues to meet those
conditions, the deferment should be able to continue, Minister for
Defence Ng Eng Hen told reporters on Sunday night.
He was replying to the question of what Schooling's
Olympic gold medal, clinched on Saturday morning, meant for his NS
deferment.
"I think the whole of Singapore is elated, filled with
pride over Joseph Schooling's historic achievements," replied Dr
Ng.
"When we deferred him in 2013 so that he could compete
- train, compete for the Olympics - it was based on known
conditions that I already explained to Parliament. And if he
continues to meet those conditions, I don't see why not."
In Parliament in 2013, Dr Ng had said that NS deferment
"may be granted in exceptional circumstances to individual
sportsmen, who are assessed to be potential medal winners at
international competitions like the Olympic Games and bring
national pride for the country."
Individuals will have to show why deferment is
necessary for them to train full-time and compete successfully at
international competitions, and each case will be assessed
individually in consultation with the Ministry of Culture,
Community and Youth.
"The conditions have been always quite clear and if
sportsmen achieve those conditions we've had no problem in granting
(them) deferment."
Asked on Sunday night whether Schooling would be
exempted entirely from having to serve NS, however, Dr Ng replied:
"I think we should take it a step at a time. Let's see how it
unfolds."
At this point in time, Singapore should focus on
congratulating Schooling, he said.
"And really it's both his efforts, his parents' support
as well as the community that has allowed him to achieve such
heights even at a young age. So let's use this moment to just come
together and congratulate him and his achievements."
Noting that Parliament will move a motion to
congratulate and formally recognise Schooling on Monday, Dr Ng
added: "I think other questions can wait till then."
Dr Ng was speaking on the sidelines of a grassroots
event in Toa Payoh Central where he is adviser to the grassroots
organisations, Songs of Yesteryears, which featured performances
and singalongs of evergreen Chinese songs.
He was also asked for his views on the blasts that
happened in Thailand earlier that week. Noting that the Thai
authorities are still determining the cause and perpetrators, Dr Ng
said that the lesson for Singapore is that small arms and
explosives are now easier to obtain by illegal means, so Singapore
has to step up its vigilance.
"No country is immune, there are plots against us so I
think Singaporeans will have to be vigilant. Our security agencies
and forces have already stepped up their activities and security
arrangements."
"But if any attack occurs, I think we have to make sure
that we hold together," he concluded.
ST