April 5, 2011 - 4:12PM
SMH
The controversial photo of a maid carrying a soldier's bag for him appeared in the Singapore press. Photo: AFP
A Singaporean soldier who was photographed with a maid carrying his rucksack has undergone counselling and is "remorseful" over his behaviour, the defence ministry said.
The picture, circulated by local media then seen around the world after spreading on the internet, had sparked outrage and concern that recruits to Singapore's armed forces are "softies".
"The serviceman concerned has identified himself to his commander," defence ministry director of public affairs Colonel Desmond Tan said in a letter published in The Straits Times today.
Advertisement: Story continues below "He has been counselled and continues his training."
Colonel Tan said the soldier was "remorseful for his actions and realises that it was wrong for him to have allowed this".
The photograph showed the young soldier in fatigues and combat boots walking on a footpath, with his female domestic helper following behind carrying his military-issue rucksack.
Singapore maintains a conscript-based military and its armed forces are among the best equipped in Asia. Every able-bodied male citizen and permanent resident 18 years old and above must undergo two years of military training.
There has been criticism that current training drills are not as tough as those that older generations had to undergo because of complaints from parents.
Analysts, however, said the rucksack photograph was not a fair representation of today's armed forces.
AFP
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