ABSENCE WITHOUT LEAVE CASES (Particulars)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health (a) what was the number of AWOL cases in the last five years; (b) how many of these cases involved crime; and (c) whether any National Servicemen were convicted of criminal offences in the last five years, and, if so, how many.

The Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health (Mr Goh Chok Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, AWOL or Absence Without Leave, is a common problem in most Armed Forces. Fortunately, the situation in the SAF is well contained. The number of AWOL cases has been steadily declining from 2,223 cases in 1979 to 876 in 1983.

A breakdown of AWOL cases for the period 1979 to 1983 is as follows: Year No. of AWOL cases 1979 2,223 1980 1,818 1981 1,157 1982 931 1983 876

Of the 7,005 cases of AWOL between 1979 and 1983, 739 cases were involved in criminal activities. The breakdown by year is as follows: Year No. of AWOL cases convicted of Crime 1979 159 1980 256 1981 135 1982 104 1983 85

It is pertinent to point out that a number of the Awolees were already "problem kids" before their enlistment for National Service. They have either drug abuse background or criminal records. It is usually this group of Awolees who commit crimes during their absence without leave. But it should be emphasized that in view of their background, this group of individuals would have committed crimes whether they have been enlisted for National Service or not.

As for the third part of the question, National Service means universal conscription. Since the types of national servicemen we have reflect the types of citizens found in our society at large, it is to be expected that some of our servicemen would be involved in criminal activities in society. The number of servicemen convicted fluctuated over the years. The figures which the Member requires are: Year No. of Criminal Offences 1979 220 1980 347 1981 340 1982 276 1983 212 ----- 1,395