Experts say the revised PLKN 3.0 should also train youths to understand and respect the Constitution and Malaysia's cultural diversity. – Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: The revival of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) should aim to inculcate values such as unity, integrity and humanity among young Malaysians, say experts and former trainees.
They are of the view that the initiative to introduce PLKN 3.0 is timely, especially when the younger generation is becoming increasingly exposed to negative influences in the digital space.
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Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Co-Curriculum and Student Development Centre deputy director Noor Mohamad Shakil Hameed said an integrated programme such as PLKN is essential to shape a spirit of nationalism among youths.
"We don't want them to drift away and become slaves to gadgets without paying attention to what is happening in our country or around them.
"I believe such a programme would create awareness among youth of their responsibility towards religion, race and country.
"This will also help shape them into citizens who are passionate, with a strong sense of belonging, and who are resilient (in the face of) future challenges," he said in an interview on Tuesday (Oct 24).
However, he believes that the PLKN 3.0 training and learning module should be given due attention to ensure that it is more holistic and addresses the challenges of today.
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According to him, in addition to basic military training, modules such as physical development, citizenship, character building and community service need to be included.
This is especially so from the aspects of respecting the Federal Constitution, navigating 3R (royalty, religion, race) issues, and understanding the country's diverse culture.
On Oct 9, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the government will revive PLKN with different methods, including basic army training.
He said there are 13 Territorial Army camps nationwide that can accommodate a total of 20,000 trainees for PLKN training for 45 days.
On the proposed involvement of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans as trainers in PLKN, UPM's Human Ecology Department of National and Civilisation Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Nidzam Abd Kadir said it was a good move to foster discipline among trainees.
"The selection of participants should also not be done randomly. There must be certain criteria.
"If a student has good morals, he should be removed from the list. The selection also needs to (include) students who have discipline problems at school," he added.
Mohammad Nidzam said the proposed PLKN programme is adequate, but the contents of the modules and their implementation need to be tailored to provide high-quality training.
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Private sector employee Amiry Fahmi Muhammad Adnan, 31, said PLKN helps in the formation of positive personality and identity among youth, and is seen as being capable of producing a young generation that is not spoiled.
"It is the best platform in applying the values of patriotism and sharing the knowledge of survival skills which are difficult to acquire these days. PLKN will also educate young Malaysians about... defending the country.
"Taking the example of other countries such as South Korea. Its national training is very focused on implementation.
"In fact, (South Koreans) need to update their knowledge and pass national training within a certain period of time," said Amiry Fahmi, who was a PLKN trainee in 2010.
Statutory body employee Aina Natasya Zamri, 29, suggested that PLKN 3.0 be made mandatory for men only to avoid the occurrence of social ills as promiscuity which may occur during training.
The separation of PLKN centres by gender needs to be considered as it will also be conducive for efficient training, she added. – Bernama
