SINGAPORE: An incident on a public bus has sparked outrage among Singaporeans, highlighting a troubling trend in how National Service (NS) men are treated by some members of the public.

A commuter shared his experience on Reddit's "Ask Singapore" forum, expressing disbelief after witnessing an NSman being verbally attacked by an older man in a wheelchair.

The Incident

The commuter narrated that, while on a bus, the vehicle had to come to a stop to assist the man in the wheelchair. The bus captain was required to lower the wheelchair ramp, a standard operating procedure. However, the wheelchair user began pointing at the NSman, implying he should also provide assistance solely due to his military uniform.

Despite the NSman explaining that he was unfamiliar with the ramp's operation, the uncle resorted to yelling and even gestured offensively before exiting the bus.

Public Response

This incident has raised broader concerns regarding the perception and treatment of NSmen in Singapore. The original poster questioned why such disrespect is directed towards these individuals, especially when compared to attitudes in other countries where military personnel are often shown gratitude for their service.

“This kind of behavior is unacceptable,” the commuter remarked, noting that the NSmen are already subject to undue criticism for various mundane reasons, such as sitting down, sweating, or simply wearing a uniform. “We need to do better as a society to recognize their sacrifices,” he added.

Echoing Frustrations

In the comments, other users echoed the commuter's frustration. One commenter mentioned that some people feel entitled, expecting those in uniform to serve beyond their designated roles. They noted that NSmen often become easy targets for bullying because any attempt to stand up for themselves can lead to negative public scrutiny.

Several users reinforced that assisting with the wheelchair ramp is the bus captain's responsibility, as per established guidelines. One individual recounted how they had attempted to help in a similar situation but were reprimanded for interfering. “The drivers are responsible for ensuring the ramp is managed correctly to avoid potential accidents,” he explained.

A Mixed Bag of Reactions

Interestingly, while many shared discontent regarding the treatment of NSmen, some commented that not all Singaporeans are disrespectful. A few remarked on positive interactions they’ve had, recalling acts of kindness from strangers towards those in uniform. “It’s essential to remember that, while there are rude individuals, many people appreciate the effort of NSmen,” one user noted.

Related Discussion

In a separate yet related conversation on social media, a woman recounted her own troubling experience. She was criticized by an older man for sitting in a reserved seat on the MRT while dealing with severe period pain. She explained that she had no choice but to take the seat due to feeling faint and unwell.

Conclusion

Both incidents highlight the urgent need for a shift in societal attitudes towards those who serve their country, whether in military service or in other roles. As Singapore continues to evolve, perhaps it’s time for a collective reflection on how respect can be better integrated into everyday interactions.

Singaporeans are encouraged to foster a more supportive environment for NSmen and each other, emphasizing the values of empathy, understanding, and respect in a diverse society.