Friday, 22 September 2023

We are shifting our daily news to Gutzy.Asia Support us there!

逃四年兵役 22岁青年被监禁九周

出生于新加坡、在香港生活长大,然而迄今仍保留新加坡公民身份,一名22岁青年因为被指控违反国民服役征召令,逃伍长达四年余,于今日被判监禁9周。

李汉文(译音)于1996年12月出生于新加坡,父亲是英籍人士和香港永久居民,母亲则是新加坡人。据了解,由于其时香港即将回归中国,母亲希望孩子未来能回到相对稳定的新加坡,故此希望孩子能继续保留狮城公民权。

李汉文在出生后一个月即被带往香港生活、成长,一直到他前往英国的兰卡斯特大学升学,还在去年7月10日领过毕业文凭。

然而,李汉文随时香港永久居民,仍保留新加坡公民身份,过去还申请了五次新加坡国际护照,并用本国护照来狮城探亲多达22次,直至2017年1月;此外,前往中港台等地、南韩、日本、泰国等,且会根据不同地区签证需求,选择用新加坡或香港护照。

在2013年,当时16岁的李汉文,向当局申请并成功取得出国准证(exit permit),以前往国外升学,该准证有效期至2013年8月31日。他也在该年8月注册国民服役,但是在出国准证过期了仍在新加坡以外地区逗留,使得他触犯了征召令。

李汉文的母亲则电邮中央人力局(CMPB)为儿子申请更新出国准证,惟被告知必须支付7万5000元的保证金,但前者没这么做;此外李汉文母亲在为儿子申请放弃公民权当儿,也申请要暂缓兵役。

不过中央人力局则告知,新加坡男性必须履行国民服役义务,此后他们要求放弃公民权的请求才能获得考量。

李汉文是在2014年9月到英国入学,一年后他再次向当局申请展缓兵役;然而即便缓役申请被拒绝,他仍决定在2018年7月完成学业后,回到新加坡服役。

在法庭辩护时,李汉文辩护律师Ashwin Ganapathy 指出,尽管李汉文在狮城出生,但他的生活和新加坡并没有太多关联;再者,16岁获得国民服役通知,李汉文也倚重母亲的建议,此前更是对上述义务闻所未闻,也不知其重要性。

律师也辩解李汉文对国民服役的要求感到“困惑”,因为身份认同上他未认为自己是新加坡人,也从未想过要在新加坡生活;指导大学时期,才意识到违反国民服役的严重惩罚。

他也曾向大学校方求助,惟只被获准休业一年,如一年后未重返校园,那么父亲支付的23万美元学费将被没收。

辩护律师指因为“选择有限”,李汉文只能作出不幸的决定,先完成学业才返回狮城服兵役。

违反征召令,最高可面对长达三年的监禁,或最高一万元的罚款,或两者兼施。

Latest posts

Election surprises and certainties: Dissecting Tharman’s presidential win

47
In the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam secured a stunning 70.4% landslide victory, surprising many, including himself. Despite expectations that TKL would win the opposition votes, voters from both camps showed a preference for Tharman's charisma and perceived competency. As Singapore reflects on the outcome, questions arise about the election's fairness and the real implications of Tharman's dominant win.

Volunteer as a Polling and Counting Agent for Singapore’s 2023 Presidential Election

3
For the upcoming Singapore Presidential Election on 1st September, members of the civil society have spearheaded an initiative to strengthen our democratic fabric. We invite committed individuals to join us as Polling and Counting Agents, standing together for a transparent, fair, and just election. This vote counting exercise, organized by members of civil society, is not specifically in support of Mr Tan Kin Lian, a candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. It's an exercise in active citizenry. Nonetheless, Mr Tan endorses this initiative, which hinges on his candidacy, championing transparency, and has given permission for the results to be shared publicly.

Reflections from the Centenary: The Legacy of LKY and Singapore’s Future

19
Gilbert Goh reflects on the LKY centenary event: an inspiring showcase of a leader's global legacy juxtaposed against current challenges, urging Singapore to continue its path of progress.

Lim Tean advocates for Tan Kin Lian: A visionary leader for Singapore’s Presidency

84
In his speech at Mr Tan Kin Lian's launch of his presidential bid, Mr Lim Tean passionately championed the need for a truly Independent President. Highlighting Mr Tan Kin Lian's unique credentials and genuine concern for the wellbeing of Singaporeans, the Peoples Voice leader emphasized the pressing challenges of rising living costs and job insecurities faced by the public. Mr Lim depicted Mr Tan Kin Lian as a beacon of hope for the nation, advocating for a leader who genuinely understands and represents the people’s aspirations.

Tan Jee Say endorses Tan Kin Lian for President: A courageous, genuine, and humble...

38
In advocating for a truly representative leader, Tan Jee Say underscored Tan Kin Lian's humility, courage, and genuine dedication. Highlighting the pressing need for restored public trust and effective independence, Tan Jee Say emphasized that Tan Kin Lian, as the 'People's President', would bring back hope to Singaporeans and champion true democracy

Tan Kin Lian’s pledge: Rekindling unity and charting a vigorous future for Singapore

17
In the press conference to announce his bid for the Singapore presidency, Tan Kin Lian emphasizes safeguarding Singapore's reserves and strengthening public service integrity. Drawing on his 30-year leadership at NTUC Income, he envisions a future with affordable living, accessible housing, and job stability, pledging collaboration with the government for a united nation.

Strengthening Singapore’s political foundations: A call to action by Leong Mun Wai on Singapore’s...

35
Leong Mun Wai urges Singaporeans to strengthen political checks and balances, emphasizing, 'The best is yet to be for Singapore if we dare to make the right decision in upcoming elections.

Trending posts