KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Chief of MCA National Youth, Mike Chong Yew Chuan said National Service Training Programme (PLKN) needs thorough examination to make its implementation more effective.
In a statement today, he said that PLKN modules need to take into consideration the views of parents and guardians of the students.
"The public perception of "military training modules" needs to be addressed effectively because not all parents want their children to undergo rigorous military-style training," he said.
Chong added that the percentage ratio of 90 per cent military training and 10 per cent citizenship training is noticeably unbalanced.
"We want to cultivate a generation that loves their country, has a significant sense of patriotism and unity regardless of their religion, ethnicity, and background.
"This should be the priority, as opposed to modules that focus on physical aspects or participants' physical endurance."
He also said that participants who have the potential and interest in joining a uniformed unit after completing the program may be given the opportunity to enrol in any suitable uniformed organisation.
The admission process for them should be facilitated without the need for bureaucratic hurdles that discourage them from pursuing their respective interests.
He said MCA Youth also takes note of various quarters' opinions regarding the reinstatement of PLKN, including concerns related to financial implications and the timing, which is considered inappropriate in light of the country's economic uncertainties.
However, he added that MCA Youth is confident that the special committee established by the Defence Ministry will ensure that PLKN 3.0 will be a success.
Yesterday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced in the Dewan Rakyat that PLKN will be revived with new modules with significant cost savings, from RM500 million previously to less than RM100 million.
