I refer to the letter Stop NS-bashing by Low Eng Kiat. The writer is off-tangent on the issue as basically the majority of the people support the National Service programme but are worried about the way it is being implemented and managed.

And who wouldn't worry, now with a second drowning occurring? This clearly shows that some NS officials are not bothered about process and procedures, and these are precisely the people expected to instill discipline in the trainees.

What do we tell the parents who lost their children during NS training? Are we going to tell them it is a consequence of 'collateral oversight' and to ask them to look at the bigger picture?

Both the two sets of parents involved sent their sons for NS in good faith but they returned in body bags. I just don't know how those in charge feel.

Can Low sincerely say that those two deaths really couldn't be avoided or that they are insignificant in relation to the total number of NS trainees? They are not my kids, but my heart bleeds for them. A life is a life and it is not something to be gambled with.

I would like to remind the writer that a lot of disasters started with the best of intentions.

Those who help to highlight weaknesses in government programmes will eventually assist the government in improving things.

A balanced view helps keep one in touch with the masses. I am sure our government's administration is able to differentiate between constructive criticisms and those which aim to merely butter it up.