Calvin Cheng: Female Citizens and PRs Should Pay a Special Tax to Fund Increased NS Allowances

SINGAPORE: In a Facebook post on Feb 22 (Wednesday), former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng proposed a special tax on female citizens, permanent residents (PRs), and men who have not served National Service (NS) as a way to raise allowances for NS servicemen.

Cheng’s suggestion comes in response to Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam’s (Aljunied GRC) question in Parliament earlier that day, asking if allowances for full-time National Servicemen could be increased due to inflation and the rising cost of living.

Senior Minister of State for Defence, Heng Chee How, explained that NS allowances are reviewed regularly, with the most recent adjustment made in March 2020. However, Giam pointed out that with inflationary pressures since mid-2021, living costs have surged significantly, and suggested that NS allowances should be pegged to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the MAS core inflation measure to keep pace with rising costs.

In his post, Cheng argued that NS is a significant contribution of time and effort, and that those who do not serve should contribute financially. “Food and lodging cannot be counted – it’s mandatory national service. Nobody would choose to stay in barracks and eat in a cookhouse,” he said. He believes that citizens and PRs who don’t serve are benefiting from others’ service.

Cheng’s proposal received mixed reactions, with some calling it “beyond ridiculous,” while others felt it was a good idea. One commenter said, “Whoever implements your idea gonna lose 50% of the votes the next election.”

The debate highlights ongoing concerns about the fairness of compensation for national servicemen amid increasing financial pressures.