The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) should make a comeback as it was successful in teaching youth to love the country.
Former director-general of the National Service Department (JLKN) Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said national unity is more fragile without any structured programmes which he feels would be able to curb the matter from escalating.
"PLKN was established as a result of the Youth Patriotism Convention held following the Kampung Medan riots. Let's not wait for another Kampung Medan incident to happen before the government begins to think of a solution," he said in a statement to Bernama here today.
The statement was issued in response to Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan's remarks in Dewan Rakyat yesterday which called for the revival of several programmes, including the PLKN, which were stopped during the Pakatan Harapan government for being too costly.
Abdul Hadi said that a 2010 study undertaken by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) researchers, involving 60,000 respondents including former trainers, parents, community leaders and others, revealed that each objective of PLKN had achieved more than 80 per cent success rate.
Abdul Hadi said that in 2013, another study was conducted by Universiti Malaysia Perlis research experts. It involved 4,000 respondents in eight universities in the country to see the effectiveness of former PLKN trainees. The findings showed that from a maximum score of 10, the PLKN's objective of Identity Development achieved a minimum score of 8.89, while Patriotism had a score of 8.68. This shows that PLKN is not a failure and not a waste.
"There is no denying that PLKN involves high expenses but the scope of training and the number of trainees can be restructured to suit the current capabilities of the government.
"However, stopping the PLKN directly for the purpose of saving government expenses can be considered a waste of logistics and infrastructure expenses that have been spent so far either by the government or the private sector," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jul 15 2020
National unity is more fragile without any structured programmes. - FILEpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.