Exemption of Madrasah Graduates from Serving National Service

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether there is any policy of exempting graduates from madrasahs from serving National Service (NS) and, if so, what is the rationale for such a policy; and (b) how many male madrasah graduates have served NS out of each graduating madrasah cohort in the last three years.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: Graduates from religious schools of all faiths are required to serve their National Service (NS). There is no policy for exemption from NS on religious grounds. However, MINDEF does receive applications from NS-liable males of various faiths to defer their NS for the purpose of religious studies or to practice as a religious teacher or leader. Each appeal is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In the last three years, an average of 20 male madrasah graduates from each graduating madrasah cohort have served NS.

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