Serving national service is just a baby step towards understanding the great importance of politics.

We know politics is about taking sides.

Politics also often involves envy, self-interest and, worse, blind loyalty.

Race, religion and money also revolve around politics.

An 18-year-old must be able to see through the ulterior motives of opposing factions.

But at such an age, he may not have the experience to distinguish between myth and motive.

Years ago, we started work at 16 years of age.

At 21, we were already exposed to the workings of society for a full five years.

We felt and understood the hardships that people go through, their success and also the cunning that abounds in this world.

Today, an 18-year-old Singaporean would have only just completed his basic schooling.

He has little knowledge of the realities of the outside world.

National service is just one of the many training sessions that prepare and equip a youth to live his life.

We cannot equate qualifying for national service to qualifying to vote.

Seet King Hwee