SINGAPORE: A commuter recently raised eyebrows on social media, questioning the poor treatment of National Service (NS) men in Singapore after witnessing a distressing incident on public transport.

In a post shared on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, the commuter recounted a troubling experience while riding a bus. He observed an elderly man in a wheelchair needing assistance to disembark. Although the bus captain stopped to deploy the wheelchair ramp, the man directed his frustration at an NSman, expecting him to provide help solely because he was in uniform.

The commuter expressed his disbelief as the NSman politely informed the elder that he was not trained for such assistance. “By the time the bus captain had lowered the ramp, the uncle yelled and gestured obscenely at the NS boy before leaving the bus,” he stated. This incident left the commuter questioning the general attitude toward NSmen, particularly by older members of society.

He drew a comparison between Singapore and other countries, highlighting how military personnel in places like the United States receive gratitude and respect for their service, while Singapore’s NSmen often encounter disrespect over minor issues. “In Singapore, just by being in uniform, they face criticism for sitting down or simply sweating,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in how service members are treated.

Many Reddit users echoed the commuter’s frustrations, noting that the responsibility for assisting with the wheelchair ramp lay solely with the bus captain, following standard operating procedures. One user pointed out, “The job is clearly outlined; the old guy was just being unreasonable.” Another Redditor recounted their own experience of trying to assist someone and getting reprimanded for it, emphasizing that only trained personnel should handle such tasks to prevent accidents.

Some commenters highlighted a generational divide, noting that older generations, particularly baby boomers, often have higher expectations of the youth and are less sympathetic to their circumstances. However, a few shared positive anecdotes, reminding others that not all Singaporeans exhibit this behavior. One user reflected, “I’ve had nice experiences with people in uniform; a hawker once gave me extra food because of it.”

In related news, another post on Reddit highlighted a woman’s distressing encounter when she was yelled at by an elder for sitting in a reserved seat on the MRT, citing her poor health due to low blood sugar and severe cramps as the reason she occupied the seat.

These incidents raise crucial questions about societal attitudes toward those who serve, urging Singaporeans to foster a culture of respect and understanding towards their NSmen. As the nation continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these individuals and treat them with the dignity they deserve.

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