IN THE last 10 years, fewer than 10 Singaporean sportsmen and musicians have been given permission to defer their full-time national service.
These deferments are often sought when the young men want to pursue their studies, training or represent Singapore in International competitions.
However, rarely is approval given because it is vital to uphold the NS system's strength and integrity, by making it universal and fair to all Singaporeans, said Dr Ng Eng Hen, Second Minister for Defence in Parliament on Thursday.
Also, the NS system provides for Singapore's national security and survival, he noted.
These factors form the basis of the three principles underlying NS, said Dr Ng, adding that permission had been given for exceptional talents.
He was replying to Nominated MP Eunice Olsen, who wanted the Defence Ministry (Mindef) to be more flexible in giving deferments.
She referred to a Straits Times report last December about Mr Keegan Ng. The 20-year-old had won the Marion S. Gray Outstanding Musician Award at age 11.
He wanted to study piano at the Eastman School of Music in New York, but was told he had to complete his NS first. He has since given up his plan and is now deciding whether to study accountancy or business administration.
Said Ms Olsen, a classical pianist: 'As a musician, I know how vital it is to continuously hone one's skills. I think the ministry could be more flexible in granting deferments."
In explaining the Defence Ministry position, Dr Ng underlined the three principles that underpin NS.
First, he said NS ensures Singapore's national security and survival. This is the basis for the Enlistment Act, which mandates that all NS-liable males are to be enlisted at the earliest opportunity on turning 18.
Second, universality makes NS a duty for every male, fit Singaporean to fulfil.
Third, equity ensures every national serviceman is treated the same way, regardless of background or status.
Also, Mindef recognises that NS involves a sacrifice from all individuals who have to postpone personal pursuits to serve the nation, he said.
'This is why we must adhere to the three principles articulated to preserve the integrity and strength of our NS system.'
However, Dr Ng also pointed out that Mindef does exercise flexibility in selected situations, he said.
For example, it lets students to defer full-time NS to complete their studies up to A Levels, polytechnic diplomas or equivalent qualifications.
It also defers full-time NS for exceptional talents based on the merits of each case. But such talents are very rare, he added.
He cited several examples such as swimmer Sng Ju Wei, sailor Maximilian Soh, violist Lim Chun and pianist Lim Yan, and added that they still have to serve NS after their deferment period.
Defer: IHL Tertiary Education