I have just learnt that students who will be starting their studies in Lower Sixth Form in government schools later this month and who have been picked to do their National Service stint in June will not be allowed to have their training deferred.

It is learnt that they may apply for deferment to the National Service Department but their applications will normally be rejected.

So they are expected to spend three months of their Lower Six in national service camps and miss a full three months of studies.

I wonder what sort of educational authority it is that has the heart to force students to miss three months of their studies in this way?

The administration is telling the students to find their own way to make up for lost ground when they come back from their boot camps.

How are the students supposed to do this, I don't understand. Can the authorities let the students and parents know what kind of educational theory and philosophy they are following in this ridiculous practice of forcing students to miss three months of serious school work?

Are they aware that the effect of this unfair practice will definitely be reflected in the affected students' STPM examination results?

There is no question about this happening since the missed three months is equivalent to almost one-fifth of the STPM course.

To the high officials of the National Service Department and the Education Ministry, pray tell us whether you would like this enforced handicap to befall your own children.

Now I see another reason why so many people are disgusted with this administration and want change.