Always feel that the job of Iskandar ambassador suit you best, now look like you should be the minister in charge of NS men welfare, at least half the nation will be behind you from the sincerity of your words. Well done bro, ! Somehow after so many years running the army , our miw still couldn't figure out how to get the lao and siao lian peng to support them in good and bad times. Sometime, it takes just a little token of appreciation such as your suggestion of discount for NS men to win people over but it seems like such a hard thing to do for miw. Sigh .
I am just a nobody and a "wu ming xiao zu" but i feel more could and should be done. Even buying a HDB for example, say normal guys get grant from government when buying a flat right? Ex NSF/NSmen should be able to get more. Doesn't have to be a lot but a token that says something like
"Hey you serve the nation, thank you and heres a little recognition for your time."
Seeing something tangible that is given to those who served could be seen as something more palatable and as an overdue recogition. Its just a number and statistic to the guys on the top but means a lot, much more than just dollars and cents to the guys below.
Of course, many will say more is better but then Singaporeans are so used to helping themselves that many will recognise that small token as a recognition.
The wives certainly will then see some economic benefit that the men received as a result of their blood, sweat and tears. Instead of jeering or scolding them every time they go and serve the nation, they may then start to realise the real extent of what the men are really going through.