[theold]

As a member of the Jehovah's Witness church, his beliefs did not allow him to carry a gun and join any organization whose purpose was to fight.

So at the age of 20, he refused to join the military on grounds that did not suit his conscience, and was sent to prison.

Although Singapore is not at war, compulsory military service in the country is mandatory for all able-bodied male citizens as well as second-generation immigrants who are already permanent residents by the time they are 18 years old.


Since 1970, an average of six members of Jehovah's Witnesses have been sent to military prisons each year, although none has a permanent criminal record.

Yeo spent nearly three years in prison, a year longer than the national training program.




https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/dunia-58893962

[p1acebo]

It really depends. I got one JC skoolmate, a JW. He went to prison for 3 years, totally refusing to serve. During BMT I had another platoon mate, also JW. I think he is the smarter one. He still refused to "bear arms" because of his beliefs, but he enlisted. So throughout our 3 months, BMT, he was always lugging along a wooden rifle. He went on to become a clerk. No prison term and switch off job. Song boh?

[RiseofAsia]

It really depends.  I got one JC skoolmate, a JW.  He went to prison for 3 years, totally refusing to serve.  During BMT I had another platoon mate, also JW.  I think he is the smarter one.  He still refused to "bear arms" because of his beliefs, but he enlisted.  So throughout our 3 months, BMT, he was always lugging along a wooden rifle.  He went on to become a clerk.  No prison term and switch off job.  Song boh?

Your platoon mate is the smart one.
Mindset is important.
You cant change the rules but you can change your mindset.

[FangFang]

Attitude is important also

[FangFang]

Attitude first.

[luncheonmeat]

It really depends.  I got one JC skoolmate, a JW.  He went to prison for 3 years, totally refusing to serve.  During BMT I had another platoon mate, also JW.  I think he is the smarter one.  He still refused to "bear arms" because of his beliefs, but he enlisted.  So throughout our 3 months, BMT, he was always lugging along a wooden rifle.  He went on to become a clerk.  No prison term and switch off job.  Song boh?

Upz u 1 pt for this interesting annecdote. Oways thot Jehovah's Witness was banned in Sinpwn. Where/how they manage to recruit members?

[p1acebo]

Upz u 1 pt for this interesting annecdote. Oways thot Jehovah's Witness was banned in Sinpwn. Where/how they manage to recruit members?

I think they used to distribute their JW WatchTower magazines in the past (now probably moved online after all these years)

[Huliwang]

I thought JW religious activities were banned in Singapore since the seventies when their members refused military conscription. Further, this organization was de-registered in Singapore since then......

[debono]

It really depends.  I got one JC skoolmate, a JW.  He went to prison for 3 years, totally refusing to serve.  During BMT I had another platoon mate, also JW.  I think he is the smarter one.  He still refused to "bear arms" because of his beliefs, but he enlisted.  So throughout our 3 months, BMT, he was always lugging along a wooden rifle.  He went on to become a clerk.  No prison term and switch off job.  Song boh?

Your schoolmate is the wise one to do only BMT and become a clerk for the next 2 1/4 years.......

Your platoon mate is the smart one.
Mindset is important.
You cant change the rules but you can change your mindset.

Your schoolmate is the wise one to do only BMT and become a clerk for the next 2.25 years.....