Reintroduction of National Service Training Programme to Attract More Chinese and Indians to Join the Armed Forces
Defence minister Khaled Nordin has expressed his hopes that the reintroduction of the national service training programme (PLKN 3.0) will attract more Chinese and Indians to join the armed forces.
Efforts to Increase Participation
Khaled stated that the military regularly conducts programmes to encourage more youths to defend the country. These efforts include promotional events at schools and shopping malls, as well as career exhibitions throughout Malaysia. The military is committed to increasing diversity within its ranks, as reflected in the current 1,670 Indians in the military, which accounts for 1.4% of its total strength.
PLKN 3.0: A New Approach
The PLKN 3.0 programme, which was launched on January 12, is being held after a seven-year break. The programme focuses on the nation’s sovereignty and mental discipline, with light military training programmes and structured learning tailored to participants based on their age. It aims to inculcate values such as discipline and patriotism, and will be held at army camps, universities, and polytechnics.
Challenges in Recruiting Non-Bumiputeras
In 2023, then defence minister Mohamad Hasan revealed that non-Bumiputeras made up less than 3% of the military, despite various efforts to encourage their participation. He attributed this to hard work, low pay, irregular working hours, and the inability to spend time with families during festive seasons.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of PLKN 3.0 presents an opportunity for the military to increase diversity and promote national unity. By targeting Chinese and Indians, the programme can help to bridge the gap in representation and foster a more inclusive and representative armed forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of PLKN 3.0?
PLKN 3.0 aims to inculcate values such as discipline and patriotism, and to promote national unity. - How many Indians are currently serving in the military?
As of December 31, there are 1,670 Indians serving in the military, which accounts for 1.4% of its total strength. - What are the challenges in recruiting non-Bumiputeras?
Hard work, low pay, irregular working hours, and the inability to spend time with families during festive seasons are some of the challenges faced by non-Bumiputeras in joining the military.