SINGAPORE: A disturbing incident on public transport has ignited a conversation about the treatment of National Service (NS) men in the country. A commuter recently shared an unfortunate event that took place on a bus, leading him to question why NSmen are subjected to such disrespectful behavior.

In his post on Reddit's 'Ask Singapore' forum, the commuter described how an elderly man in a wheelchair sought assistance while trying to alight from the bus. While the bus driver took the required steps to lower the wheelchair ramp, the elderly man aggressively pointed at the NSman and expected him to assist—a clear misunderstanding of the situation. Despite the NSman informing him that he was not trained to help, the uncle reacted with hostility, even giving the NSman the middle finger as he exited the bus.

The commuter expressed shock at the disrespect shown toward the NSmen, particularly from older individuals. He drew a stark contrast to other countries, like the United States, where military personnel are generally met with respect and gratitude for their service, whereas in Singapore, NSmen seem to face unwarranted criticism for minor matters.

He commented, “In Singapore, it feels like NSmen are looked down upon for simply wearing their uniform. Whether they have sat down, are sweating, or just exist in uniform, they face negativity.” He emphasized that assisting with the ramp was the responsibility of the bus captain, highlighting a pervasive attitude that those in uniform are expected to serve others without question.

This sentiment resonated with many Reddit users who chimed in with their own experiences. Comments revealed frustrations about the expectation placed on NSmen, with some stating that it feels as though these individuals become easy targets for public ridicule. “Some folks feel entitled and believe those in uniform should cater to their needs,” one user noted.

Support for the NSman came from multiple commenters who reinforced that the responsibility of handling the wheelchair ramp lies solely with the bus captain, as part of standard operating procedures. One user explained, "It's not just about respect; it's about the safety protocols in place." They remarked that untrained individuals could inadvertently cause harm by mishandling equipment like the wheelchair ramp.

Yet, it's important to recognize that not all individuals in Singapore are disrespectful towards NSmen. Some users shared positive encounters, noting that there are plenty of people who appreciate and respect those in uniform. “I’ve had experiences where generous folks went out of their way to show kindness," one Redditor shared, reflecting a more balanced view of societal attitudes.

In a related incident that speaks to a similar theme of public conduct, a woman recounted an unpleasant experience on the MRT when an elderly man filmed her and yelled for occupying a reserved seat due to her medical condition. She asserted that she had no choice but to sit because of severe pain and nausea, highlighting a growing need for empathy in public spaces.

These incidents raise important questions about societal behavior and respect amid diverse expectations and responsibilities. As discussions continue, it’s clear that fostering a culture of understanding and appreciation for NSmen is crucial in recognizing their contributions without unwarranted judgment.