‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Author Kevin Kwan Wanted in Singapore for Dodging Military Service

August 23, 2018

“Crazy Rich Asians” author Kevin Kwan is wanted in his native Singapore for allegedly defaulting on the state’s mandatory military service.

In a statement on Wednesday, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said that Kwan avoided national service, stayed overseas without the required exit permit and failed in his attempt to renounce his citizenship in 1994.

Kwan reportedly left Singapore at the age of 11 and has lived in the U.S. since 1990.

“Mr Kevin Kwan failed to register for National Service (NS) in 1990, despite notices and letters sent to his overseas address. He also stayed overseas without a valid exit permit. Mr Kwan is therefore wanted for defaulting on his NS obligations,” the statement reads.

“In 1994, his application and subsequent appeal to renounce his Singapore citizenship without serving NS were rejected.”

Singapore requires all male citizens 18 years of age and above to serve for two years in its army, police or civil defense forces.

If convicted, Kwan will face up to three years of imprisonment and a fine up to S$10,000 ($7,300).

“Mr Kwan has committed offences under the Enlistment Act, and is liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 3 years upon conviction.”

The news comes after “Crazy Rich Asians” topped the U.S. box office with $34 million in its opening weekend.

The movie, based on Kwan’s best-selling novel of the same title, held its Singapore premiere on Tuesday.

Featured Images via Instagram / @kevinkwanbooks

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