SINGAPORE : The two brothers of dead NSman Hu Enhuai may not be given combat roles when they enlist in the army.
Their grieving mother, Mrs Hu Yiguang, says her sons are now naturally apprehensive about national service, after their brother died from unauthorised training.
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The elder of the two brothers is to enlist in three years.
While the family have been verbally told the sons wouldn't be enlisted into combat roles, Mrs Hu says nothing has been confirmed.
Almost two months after it happened, Mrs Hu is finding it no easier to come to terms with her son's sudden death.
Second Sergeant Hu Enhuai, whose photo stands in the living room of his Hougang home, collapsed and died in August after having his head forced under water during training.
His many medals from his achievements in basketball and athletics fill a display case, while placed on top of a TV set is a flag used to drape his coffin.
An emotional Mrs Hu repeatly said she couldn't accept what has happened.
"I can't talk about it anymore. Once I talk about my child, I just cannot accept it."
She said her son's biggest wish was to study Chemistry and he'd been admitted to NUS next year.
Mrs Hu said his death was an enormous blow to his brothers, as they shared a close relationship.
She said: "Emotions are heavy. They still cannot accept his death. He is such a good big brother, good in studies and good in sports, good in many areas. They respected their brother."
A neighbour said MINDEF officers paid several visits to the family after Enhuai's death.
Having seen Enhuai since he was a toddler, the neighbour of 19 years is still shocked and saddened by his death.
Enhuai studied at Hwa Chong Junior College and was a member of the college basketball team.
While his juniors may not really know him, those whom Channel NewsAsia spoke to expressed regret at Enhuai's passing at such a young age.
"I was a bit upset because I didn't know people die so easily from NS. I wonder what kind of treatment they are getting from there," said a Hwa Chong JC student.
"They should really investigate thoroughly about this issue and give the people a proper report......Otherwise, for those NS people who are doing their bit for the country, all this sort of accident is unfair," said another student.
"In order to prevent the same thing from happening again, safety precautions should be put in place," said a third student.
"I'm a bit worried for my peers who are going army next year," added a fourth.
Even for the college, it has not been easy to learn of Enhuai's death.
The college declined to speak to Channel NewsAsia as it didn't want to upset the family further.
But Enhuai is fondly remembered, especially by his Civics and General Paper tutor who recalled his drive to excel in his GP and his zest on the baseketball court.
Others who know Enhuai remember him as a lively person who was always polite to his teachers and who was very determined in his pursuit of excellence.
Many say Enhuai was a good student and a good man. - CNA
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/52914/1/.html
