Anti-Hari Raya Discrimination?

A viral TikTok video prompted a heated debate during Hari Raya. TikTok user, Fauzan, (@Zan.Zan22) shared an emotional TikTok showing his brother having to serve a Stoppage-of-Leave (SOL) charge over the Hari Raya weekend. He explained that seven individuals from his brother’s unit were booked for ordering GrabFood into camp. All of them were collectively charged with an SOL order. Amongst the charged, one Malay recruit was allowed to serve his SOL after the Hari Raya weekend, while Fauzan’s brother had to serve his immediately. When asked why his brother’s SOL charge was effective immediately, the reply was “too bad”. Hence, Fauzan alleged an unfair practice and discrimination, and speculated that it might be because of some “personal vendetta” against his brother.

Application of SOL

The Singapore statutes state that in the event of a Stoppage-of-Leave (SOL), the offender is not allowed a leave-of-absence during the SOL sentence, except in exceptional cases where the disciplinary officer allows it. There is also no entitlement to not serve SOL during festive seasons.

Image Credit: Singapore Armed Forces Act

The comments on the TikTok video were mostly in favour of the SOL and stated that it was justifiable for Fauzan’s brother to serve his immediate SOL.

Image Credit: TikTok @Zan.Zan22

Some even chimed in to remind Fauzan that there is no such thing as a “choice” when it comes to serving a charge.

Image Credit: TikTok @Zan.Zan22 We spoke to some readers to get their opinion on the matter. “Ordering food (in camp) is a privilege, not an entitlement. If the battalion is not allowed to do so and recruits still go against the rules, they’ll have to face the consequences,” said a Malay corporal first-class. Others echoed in favour of the SOL charge: “Different company, different level of strictness when it comes to ordering in. During my time I can only order (food) after outfield, or good company behaviour,” said an anonymous Chinese man who served in the army.

SOL deals with cases such as negligence, insubordinations, and being involved in fights outside of camp. Fauzan’s explanation about his brother ordering GrabFood in prompted netizens to doubt whether he had disclosed the whole story or whether there was more to his brother’s charge.

Plan B has reached out to MINDEF to clarify the terms on SOL, but has yet to receive a response.