Photo: Malay Mail
Remember National Service? We still recall how some students (now no longer students), would wait with bated breath for news of whether they were selected for training or not and most importantly, where they would be placed.
Then, the government removed it.
Also known as Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN), the programme was conceived in 2004 but put on hold in 2015 in an attempt by the government to reduce expenditure.
In 2016, PLKN 2.0 came about and it was said to be optional for trainees in 2019. However, it never got to that as Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman announced the abolishment of PLKN in August 2018.
But now, according to Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, plans are underway to revive the PLKN programme.
Photo: The Star Online
“As we know, PLKN has been rebranded by the Youth and Sports Ministry under a programme to champion the youth. It looks like MPs on both sides share the same view that the national service should be revived. I will take up the matter with the government to see if it is necessary in line with present needs,” the Defence Minister said in his speech on the Defence White Paper (DWP) in Parliament yesterday.
He added that the decision would first take into account the financial ability of the government.
The Star reported that Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (GPS-Santubong) said national service was imperative in preparing youths for the future and brought up how youths in Singapore had to undergo two years of compulsory training.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) further suggested that the programme be revived - but only for a year.
The National Service programme did give some great benefits while it was around. Would you want to attend it?
By: Celestine Foo
