Crazy Rich Asians author wanted for draft dodging
THE author of the book Crazy Rich Asians, which inspired a hit film, is wanted in his home country of Singapore for failing to report for military service. Kevin Kwan was notably absent from Tuesday’s premiere of the romantic comedy in Singapore, which is largely set in the city state.
Singapore’s ministry of defence said Kwan, an executive producer of the movie, had failed to register for National Service (NS) in 1990, despite letters sent to his overseas address. “Mr Kwan is therefore wanted for defaulting on his NS obligations.”
Penalties include fines of up to S$10,000 (£5,660) and imprisonment of up to three years. The 44-year-old is also accused of leaving the country without a valid exit permit.
Kwan left Singapore aged 11, first moving to Texas with his family, and has lived in the US since then, The Straits Times reported. Singapore has a strict law on national service and it is illegal for men to give up citizenship without having completed their twoyear draft. His 1994 application to renounce his Singapore citizenship and a subsequent appeal were rejected, the ministry said.
Crazy Rich Asians, which topped the US box office on its opening weekend, tells the story of an Asian-american woman who gets a culture shock meeting her boyfriend’s wealthy family in Singapore. Kwan could not be reached for comment.