I just read a recent news article from Berita Harian about National Service (NS) man being sexually assaulted and humiliated by senior personnel.

NS is compulsory for male, either a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, to serve full 2 years. It can beither with Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) or Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

I strongly believe that there is no need for any senior personnel to exercise unnecessary actions towards a new recruit. Even so they have the authority over hapless recruits, they should be reasonable when excuting orders or duty.

In the news article, the traditional "initiation" was utterly bullshit. One, they are so stupid when they went through themselves. Two, they think they won't get caught with the law. It is very naive of them that we are living in a quite "outspoken" country.

Once a complaint came from anyone and directed towards the management, it will be like a domino effect. This case won't die down until the culprit is caught. Blame the easy and accessible complain channel provided by psychological department. They are the ones would collate every detail and set thorough investigation to nip the problem before it became an epidemic.

Senior officers are the ones whom the junior respects and look up to. They have to set a good example and set proper and achievable standards. I seriously don't believe that with immense powers, one could do wonders. We don't need another Hitler. We believe in democracy.

The problem is that with a seniority status, we became obsessive and oblivious to the consequences that may do harm upon ourselves. Instead of reminding us the heavy responsibility, we abuse authority.

I quote a real-life experience: One afternoon, we were marching towards our classrooms. While marching, an unknown officer came and stop us in the middle. He started to use abusive languages and lewd remarks. We never confront it. We stood in the middle of a hot sun with no proper shelter. Once he let us go, we immediately reported to our OC squad. He then carried out investigation with the Head Departments where this officer worked for. Unfortunately for him, he is recalled and have to face with the Commanding Officer and our OC squad. This case is still on going.

So, I think is plain stupid to abuse your authority. Without any backups or justification, anyone who caught abusing their powers will suffer in the end. It doesn't pay any price.

Those who have or were abused by any senior officers, should report the matter as soon as possible. Regardless whether a threat was induced or not, any personnel felt that he was treated unfairly should report the matter to his direct supervisor. Don't hesistate.

I'm very sure that personal details are confidential. Extreme measures should be taken and severe punishment should be metted out upon those who caught abusing his authority. It should be made known that abusing authority is a serious offence. I hope that torturing and abusing authority stop. Identify the correct complain channel and your concerns will be dealt seriously. I'm pretty sure that NS man deserves the fair treatment.

Remember that a "rank is what you wear but a respect is what you earned."