In a disheartening incident that unfolded on a bus in Singapore, a commuter took to social media to voice his outrage and frustration regarding the treatment of National Service (NS) men. This incident sheds light on the growing concern about how NSmen, who serve their country, are often treated with disrespect by the public.

The commuter shared his experience in a post on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, recounting how an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair required assistance boarding the bus. While the bus captain was occupied lowering the wheelchair ramp, the uncle mistakenly pointed at an NSman, demanding help 'just because he was in uniform.'

The situation escalated when the bus captain finally managed to operate the ramp, leading to the elder’s rude outburst. 'He clearly said he doesn’t know how,' the commuter noted, adding that the uncle even yelled at the NSman and gave him the middle finger before disembarking. This incident sparked a debate around the public's expectations for NSmen and the lack of respect they often receive, especially from older generations.

The commuter lamented the stark contrast between the respect military personnel receive in countries like the United States and the disdain sometimes faced by NSmen in Singapore. 'We need to do better,' he emphasized, suggesting that the public might need to reassess their attitudes towards those who serve in uniform.

This sentiment resonated with many Reddit users who commented on the thread, sharing their similar frustrations. One user expressed that there seems to be an entitlement among certain members of the public who believe uniformed personnel are obligated to provide assistance or services beyond their official duties. 'It’s frustrating because anyone in uniform becomes an easy target for complaints,' noted another Redditor.

Further comments highlighted that assisting a passenger with a wheelchair is indeed not the NSman's responsibility, as such tasks are the duty of the bus captain according to their standard operating procedures. 'The bus captain is trained for that. The old guy was just being unreasonable,' one user pointed out.

Despite some negative experiences, a few users reminded the community that not all Singaporeans harbor negative attitudes towards NSmen. There are instances where individuals in uniform are treated with kindness and respect, showcasing that civility can still thrive amidst the challenges.

In another related incident, a woman recounted on Reddit how she was filmed and yelled at by an 'uncle' for sitting in a reserved seat on the MRT. She explained that she was unwell due to low blood sugar and severe menstrual cramps, which prompted her to sit in that seat. 'I felt super nauseous,' she shared, further emphasizing that public transport users must sometimes show empathy towards those who might be struggling.

These conversations underscore a need for a broader cultural shift in Singapore—a recognition of the lessons of respect and empathy, particularly towards those who serve the nation. As incidents like these highlight, fostering respect for NSmen is not just about recognition of their sacrifices but also about nurturing a more understanding and compassionate society for everyone.