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Singapore's refusal to allow Ben Davis, 18, to
defer his national service sparked a debate last year over
whether the country's rigid conscription law is stifling its
youth from pursuing their dreams.
Davis signed a two-year contract with London club Fulham to
become the first player from the Southeast Asian nation to join
an English top-flight club.
"Mr Benjamin Davis is a National Service (NS) defaulter. He
failed to report for NS as required. He is also staying overseas
without a valid Exit Permit," the ministry of defense said in a
statement posted on its website.
The ministry said Davis has committed offences under the
Enlistment Act, and if convicted could be fined up to S$10,000
and/or imprisoned for up to three years.
His father, Harvey Davis, who has previously spoken on his
behalf, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Only a handful of people have met the criteria for long-term
deferment from military service, including swimmer Joseph
Schooling, who won Singapore's first ever Olympic gold medal, in
the 100 meters butterfly, at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
(Reporting by John Geddie; editing by Darren Schuettler)
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