The Malaysian government is set to launch the third iteration of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN 3.0) with a pilot project involving 200 voluntary participants aged between 18 and 20. This initiative will commence on January 12 and take place at a territorial army camp in Kuala Lumpur over a 45-day period. The programme, a voluntary engagement, aims to instill patriotism, unity, and discipline among Malaysia's youth through structured training.
The PLKN 3.0 programme is divided into two distinct phases: a basic phase and a specialised training phase. The basic phase will cater specifically to individuals aged 17 to 20. It is scheduled to be conducted at 13 Territorial Army camps, 20 public universities, and selected polytechnics throughout Malaysia. The specialised training phase, open to a broader age range of 17 to 35, will offer intensive field training and practical components. This phase will focus on regimented life experiences, emphasizing unity and patriotism rather than military training.
The programme's reintroduction comes after it was scrapped by the Pakatan Harapan government in August 2018 due to cost-cutting measures. Initially halted in 2015, PLKN was reintroduced in 2020 with the intention of making participation optional by 2019. The government has allocated a substantial annual budget of RM500 million (approximately US$111 million) to support the programme's implementation.
"The national service is not to make the attendees into soldiers but for them to undergo a regimented life. They will have to wake up early and do things. They will be more punctual and have a more organised life where they are. It is a unique experience that they won’t be able to get anywhere else," – Major-General Ya’cob Samiran
The programme seeks to foster an environment where participants can learn about their country and its diverse cultures, as well as build friendships across different racial backgrounds. Ahmad Fakhrulah Shari, reflecting on his experience, noted that the programme provided opportunities for trainees who had never interacted with people of other races before, thereby broadening their perspectives.
"Rich or poor, there was no difference between anyone," – Ahmad Fakhrulah Shari
"There are trainees who had never spoken to people of other races before but they made friends with people of other races and opened up their minds," – Ahmad Fakhrulah Shari
However, some former participants have expressed concerns regarding the programme's long-term impact. Ahmad Fakhrulah Shari remarked on the lack of follow-up after the training concluded, leading some to perceive it as a financial waste. Mohd Syafik Mohd Taufik emphasized the importance of focusing on core elements such as unity and nation-building to maintain participants' attention.
"After our training is over there is no follow-up and no structure to it. That’s why people say it is a waste of money," – Ahmad Fakhrulah Shari
"You would lose focus after a while and it should really be kept simple to the core elements of unity and nation building," – Mohd Syafik Mohd Taufik
Despite these criticisms, many former participants have reported personal growth and improved confidence due to their involvement in the national service. Sue Haizal shared her initial apprehensions but acknowledged the positive experiences she gained during her time in the programme.
"I didn't want to go. I was terrified of ragging and was worried I wouldn't be able to endure it," – Sue Haizal
"It wasn't as bad as some made it out to be. In fact, it was the opposite," – Sue Haizal
"I did many things that I wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t gone there," – Sue Haizal
Mohd Syafik Mohd Taufik echoed this sentiment, describing how the national service helped him overcome his introversion and build confidence through diverse interactions.
"From my experience in the national service, participants mix with one another. In school, they go back to their families but in the national service, their families are the other participants, all of whom are of different backgrounds. From there you build an understanding of one another," – Mohd Syafik Mohd Taufik
"I was an introvert and didn’t have much confidence, but I believe this improved after the national service," – Mohd Syafik Mohd Taufik
Nonetheless, some critics like Mohd Mahadee Ismail have voiced concerns over past issues related to mismanagement and favoritism within the programme's operations.
"The element of nation building eroded and it became a place for the cronies of the leaders to get projects. It looked as if they were trying to reduce cost for more profit," – Mohd Mahadee Ismail
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