I wonder what message the so-called example of an 18-year-old national service shirker has for the others.

He has become the unwitting hero and been given star treatment with national television airtime and newspaper coverage. The attorney-general has given this case more time and publicity than the 18 untouchables , whether individuals or sectors, depending on who you believe in.

The Perlis menteri besar paid the boy's his fine, so that he can continue his hard work of supplementing his family's meager income. Did the MB do this out of shame that there exists such poverty in his state or was it for publicity?

Nevertheless, the people are now confused whether the NS scheme is badly planned, its rules defective or the enforcement unfairly carried out.

Ahmad Hafizal was just the first NS dodging case to be brought to court and it showed how badly the authorities did their job. There are more than 3,999 such cases awaiting. People are wondering what their circumstances are.

Will some be dropped as a result of Hafizal's case or will more chief ministers be willing to pay the fines too?