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Tony Tan's sons refute online allegations on NS record AsiaOne Thursday, Aug 25, 2011 SINGAPORE - Dr Tony Tan's sons have described allegations concerning their National Service (NS) as "lies", reported The Straits Times. Dr Tan's three sons - Peter, Patrick and Philip - made a joint statement saying, "We fulfilled all obligations in accordance with the rules, regulations, and deployment policies of Mindef (the Ministry of Defence)." They also said: "Like all other Singaporeans, we are proud to have served Singapore during our National Service." SEE ALSO: Tony Tan refutes allegations about special treatment towards son Aged 45, 42 and 35, Dr Tan's sons have been subject to criticism, suggesting that they were given preferential treatment during NS even though they were combat-fit. Dr Tan was defence minister between 1995 and 2003. These claims were also alluded to by speakers at the rallies of Mr Tan Jee Say and Mr Tan Kin Lian on Tuesday and Wednesday night respectively, according to the same report. Last month, Dr Tony Tan described the allegations that he helped his son Patrick avoid NS by arranging for him to do medical research work as "false rumours" and added that he was "deeply disappointed" by the online talk. He said then that all three of his sons had served their NS fully - received an NSman's salary and fulfilled all requirements of NS such as IPPT and in-camp training - and he never intervened in their postings.