Agree on this. What is this about fairness? Why are new imported male citizens exempt from NS, because they have more money & are elites? And which makes us whats called here as 2nd class citizen? Regardless of citizenship by birth, descent or registration (naturalization), shouldnt all have the same responsibilities & obligations? Incentives are good. From what I hear, supporters of the ruling party are accorded priority in application for flats
Perhaps they should make it compulsory for new type of NS, mandatory for all male Singaporeans to produce at least 2 babies as part of "national defence"
Regarding new first generation converted citizens of age exempted to serve NS by the Defence ministry, i think it is the right decision. You dont want someone to plant a mole in the local armed forces, do you? Its basically national security.
While there are foreign borned converted citizens holding office in the cabinet, i guess they are considered cleaned and loyal after being screened the ruling party's stringent process. And there are but only a few.
To open the flood gates of similar able bodied male citizens (last count was about 20% of all local born citizens) to NS has serious national security issues. Hence the exemption. I think.
Therefore, to be fair to locals who have served the country, and are still on call/standby to be recalled... i think they deserve a little more.
Some say, what about female? well, the local female who wants to enjoy the perks of NS serving male can choose to marry them. Then, they will also enjoy the perks. Afterall, public housing is meant for family unit.
Or, they can choose to serve NS. Full time regular dont count as they have already been amply rewarded with incentives and bonus.
New citizens will still enjoy perks of the local, not dissimilar to the female local born non NS serving citizens. This is not to serve as categorizing the rights of the residence, but the highlight the importance of NS and honor/reward those who have sacrificed the prime years of their life serving the country.
I would suggest giving the first round pick/ballot of first time buyers to a category of citizens in this manner,
1st priority - total household income < $1500 per month.
2nd priority - NS serving/served citizens with total household income < $3000 per month.
3rd priority - NS serving/served citizens who qualified (within HDB income ceiling)
4th priority - All other citizens who qualified within HDB income ceiling
I know the new adopted citizens feel hard done by and might prefer to stay as PRs. But there is also distinction drawn between PRs and citizens on perks and duties. So i think overall on the grand scheme of things, its fair.
Making male citizens compulsory to produce min 2 babies per household as national service, ... i think will be too similar to communism. I still believe in carrot rather than stick.