Who’s the Cool Stalker: An Unreported 25‑Year‑Old
In a courtroom drama that could rival a Hollywood thriller, a 25‑year‑old Singaporean has been charged for doing the ultimate “no‑show”: skipping National Service for a staggering three years.
The Main Player
Zaley Cheng Xi Xiong – a Singapore-born citizen who calmly hopped out of the rap sheet for 3 years and traveled like a secret agent (no exit permit in sight).
What the Law Says
- Age window: 16½‑40 (or 50 for officers).
- Register at 16½, enlist at 18.
- Deferments allowed for those still studying (A‑levels, polytechnic, etc.).
- Even if you leave Singapore as a kid with your family and become a foreign national, you still owe your country. (Singapore does not allow dual citizenship, but minors can keep two passports only until 21.)
The Bizarre Timeline
- From June 10 2014 to August 30 2017: Ignored the call to arms.
- From May 19 2014 to August 29 2017: Drove overseas without a valid exit permit.
Whoever he was living with overseas remains a mystery – not even the court can place an address.
Recent Stats (Because Numbers Matter)
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen reveals that about 350 people each year have gone AWOL from the National Service system over the past decade.
What’s Happening to Zaley?
- He’s now on $10,000 bail.
- Next courtroom showdown on February 4.
- Potential jail: up to 3 years per offence.
- Fines: up to $10,000 per charge.
Remember: in Singapore, if you skip the CS check‑in, the government’s not shy about a trip to the courthouse. Until then, Zaley’s kept a low profile, hinting that he might finally decide what citizenship he’ll keep past the age of 21.
