Debated in Parliament on 2 Mar 2026.
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence since 2020 (a) what percentage of madrasah students eligible and medically fit for National Service (NS) have not received Enlistment Notices; and (b) of those who enlisted for NS, what percentage served or are serving in the (i) SAF, (ii) SCDF and (iii) SPF, respectively.
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) receives applications from National Service (NS)-liable males of various faiths to defer their NS for the purpose of religious studies or to practice as a religious teacher or leader. Each appeal is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Since 2020, an average of 30 madrasah students per year have been enlisted for NS. They are represented across the Uniformed Services, subject to operational and manpower requirements.
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