NATIONAL SERVICE REGISTRANTS NOT CALLED UP (Issue of exemption letters to find employment)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister of Defence if exemption permits can be issued to persons who have already registered for national service and have undergone the necessary test but have not yet been called up, so as to enable them to find employment.

The Minister of State of Defence (Mr Wee Toon Boon) (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, this is being done. Letters of exemption from full-time national service are given to persons who are not enlisted within one year after they are due for national service call-up. These letters are intended to enable them to find employment.