Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye,

When I read your letter ,there was disappointment in me and the thoughts I wish to express reiterate what many parents have called for: Stop the NS programme!

With all due respect, I cannot comprehend how can you could publicly declare previously that most of the issues have been ironed out and in giving assurances to us parents you further claim: ‘We have a team to monitor the effectiveness of the co-curricular activities as well as the infrastructure and management at all camps’.

You also assured us parents that: ‘Another measure soon to be set up is the flying squad that would resolve problems related to welfare, cleanliness and conflicts immediately’.You ‘urged parents not to worry as steps had been taken to ensure the trainees were well taken care of at the 83 camps nationwide’.

Furthermore, you claimed that: ‘Trainees and their parents can also provide their feedback to further improve the programme".

Since then, another two young lives, with full of potential and a great future ahead of them, have been lost. Now in your latest statement you wash your hands stating: ‘There is only so much I can do as a non-executive chairperson given the fact that I do not have executive powers. I am never directly involved in the administration and management of the National Service Training Programme and the camps which fall squarely on the shoulders of the National Service Training Department's Director-General and his officers. Camp commandants take directives and instructions from the director-general and his officers.

So how could you make a statement before to give us the impression that you were in-charge and claim most issues had been ironed out and tell us parents not to worry? Immediately after another two lives are lost, you wash your hands and say its not your fault!

Why do you make claims and promises you cannot fulfill? What good is it being a chairperson who cannot make good on your promises? You wrote about the need to have a caring approach while your letter remained heartless - there was no apology for the deaths (of course, it’s not your fault), not even a word of condolence to the parents of the deceased. You continue to give, what I deem as, excuse after excuse. This proves you are not capable of this position and lack the principles to continue.

The National Service has come to a point where there is no more anything good about the programme. The camps are now regarded as ‘death camps’ and trainees think about how not to be selected into the programme. With over 20 deaths in its five years of existence, it is the best result you can claim, along with the many more complains of bullying, sexual harassment, indiscipline and what not. The people who are running these camps have little heart for the youths and obviously no consideration for their well-being.

I (among with many, many others if you care the read the alternate media and blogs) personally feel this programme is a waste of time and money which could be better spent elsewhere, such as in schools where at least, there are still teachers passionate about teaching and have the young people at heart.

Many parents have declared that they will resist this programme and I am one of them. I feel every parent should do this also and make known to you that this programme is a failure - something you have not yet admitted as the NS chairperson. It is time for this NS be stopped and be stopped NOW.