On a billboard at Kallang Wave mall is a notice that National Day Parade (NDP) 2016 tickets could be won with a minimum spend of $180 ($250 for FairPrice Xtra receipts).

NDP tickets are meant to be given out free. Members of the public can get these tickets through an electronic balloting system. Every year, the number of applications for these tickets far exceeds the number of seats available at the parade.

Shouldn't the distribution of the tickets be in a fair manner, without any financial obligation or commitment?

Organisers of past NDPs have said that they take a serious view of the sale of these tickets. They have also said that monetising the tickets goes against the spirit of celebrating the nation's birthday.

Could the organisers of NDP2016 comment on whether the redemption of NDP2016 tickets at Kallang Wave mall is appropriate?

Tan Twee Kong