PARENTS have welcomed the reintroduction of the revamped national service training programme as they believe it will toughen children and instil some discipline in them. 

However, they want the government to be transparent on the syllabus that will be incorporated in National Service 3.0, expected to be reintroduced next year. 

Zhong Hua Language Education Loving Parents Network Association said they are backing the programme as most children today are too soft and overly pampered, leaving them too dependent on others and possess no soft skills.

The programme, first introduced in 2003, was designed to provide youth, typically 18-year-olds, with an opportunity to undergo character-building and patriotic activities.

Pakatan Harapan scrapped the programme when it came to power in 2018, citing cost rationalisation as one of the reasons. The unity government has since revised the decision.

Zhong Hua chairman Ronnie Wong said there was a caveat for their support.

He wants transparency in what will be taught in the national service camps. 

“It’s to ease parents’ concerns,” he added. 

“Parents have the right to know what kind of training their children will receive during the 45 days they spend (in the programme). This will help alleviate parents’ worries.”

Wong said the training programme should focus on the physical and mental development of the youngsters, teaching them basic discipline, survival skills, patriotism, and civic awareness while also enhancing their knowledge of the country and its history. 

“In the duration, besides making them physically fit, their awareness should also be challenged so they won’t become too fragile and prone to suicidal thoughts.”

Wong said the youth of today are not tough enough in facing personal issues.

“They’re psychologically fragile and suicidal.”

He said some youth, especially those who are raised by maids or nannies, are the ones who are most mentally and physically weak.

He also said pampering parents need to learn to let go of their teenage children and let them experience life on their own.

Wong is of the opinion that every youth should be compelled to attend the programme. 

“It should be mandatory for every eligible youngster to participate, just like in South Korea and Singapore.”

Keep parents in the loop

Vivian Yap, a parent of a 16-year-old girl, said her main concern is safety in the camps, particularly among the female trainees. 

She said there should be a proper medical facility, and the camp must be sanitary.

Yap also wants camp authorities immediately inform parents if there are any emergencies involving their children.

She said she backed the programme as children these days are too soft.

“Through this programme, children should learn how to be independent, and how to survive in the wild with their new-found survival skills.” 

On October 9, Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan revealed that in order to implement revamped programme, the government would have to repurpose 13 national reserve military camps, capable of accommodating 20,000 students for a 45-day training programme. 

“The government has reconsidered the implementation of the programme. In fact, the cabinet approved its revision back in 2021 and is introducing it in a fresh way.” 

Mohamad said the reinstated programme would be implemented in two phases, with the first phase taking place in schools, enhancing existing uniformed group programmes for Form 4 students.

“After their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, these students will move on to the second phase, and these trainees will be welcomed by other organisations after their training. Unlike the old programme, there will be follow-up arrangements after completion.”

He added that the second phase of training only lasts 45 days, with 90% of it being of a military nature to develop strong, energetic, and healthy youth, while the remaining 10% focuses on constitutional education. 

The national service was launched in December 2003, with a duration of three months, covering physical fitness, patriotism, character development, and community service modules. 

It admitted 85,000 to 95,000 students annually, with an average annual cost of RM600 million.

In 2015, it was temporarily suspended due to cost rationalisation, and the following year, National Service 2.0 was introduced with only 20,000 students. It was eventually cancelled in 2018. – October 13, 2023.