National Service Training Programme Extension Gains Public Support
87% of Respondents Agree to Extension
A total of 87 per cent of individuals aged 16 to 60, including parents, agree that the implementation of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) should be extended. This was revealed by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who cited a public survey conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MIDAS).
Parents Want Children to Have Clear Direction in Life
The survey, which involved 3,092 respondents, showed that parents also want their children to have a clear direction in life. As such, the government hopes that PLKN 3.0, which will be implemented this year, can build identity and foster leadership qualities among young people in the country.
Connecting the Missing Link in Education
“We want (to connect) the missing link in our education as in how to expose our children to knowledge to want to become leaders,” said Johari. “They don’t know how to become leaders. So, we hope that with this PLKN, they can physically understand and learn at the camp how these qualities can be cultivated,” he added.
PLKN 3.0 Training Module
The PLKN 3.0 training module, which comprises 70 per cent of military training and 30 per cent of nationhood training, aims to improve personal skills and abilities, including in terms of speaking, thinking and so on. This will also provide opportunities for the trainees, particularly Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers, to venture into the Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) or the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Youth Parliament to Foster Leadership Qualities
Meanwhile, Johari, when asked about the Youth Parliament, said the programme could provide exposure to the group, who can become competent Members of Parliament (MPs) in a move towards a better parliamentary system. “I have been entrusted with educating our children, how we can produce future leaders who are more exposed to better systems and, unlike now, where we see in Parliament many playing politics instead of addressing public issues,” he said.
Revamping the Selection System
“So, through exposure in the Youth Parliament, we hope to start a new system this year. I will revamp the entire selection system and hope we can produce young people who are more competent to become MPs in the future,” he said. This will be similar to the General Election process and the Parliament is reviewing the matter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the extension of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) has gained public support, with 87 per cent of respondents agreeing to its extension. The programme aims to build identity and foster leadership qualities among young people in the country. Additionally, the Youth Parliament is set to provide exposure to young people, who can become competent Members of Parliament in a move towards a better parliamentary system.
FAQs
Q: What is the National Service Training Programme (PLKN)?
A: The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) is a programme aimed at building identity and fostering leadership qualities among young people in the country.
Q: What is the purpose of PLKN 3.0?
A: The purpose of PLKN 3.0 is to improve personal skills and abilities, including in terms of speaking, thinking and so on, and to provide opportunities for trainees to venture into the Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) or the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Q: What is the Youth Parliament?
A: The Youth Parliament is a programme aimed at providing exposure to young people, who can become competent Members of Parliament in a move towards a better parliamentary system.
Q: When will PLKN 3.0 start?
A: PLKN 3.0 will start with a trial run involving 200 participants from Jan 12 to Feb 25.