KUALA LUMPUR: Parents with school-going children, who qualify for the upcoming National Service 3.0 (NS) training programme next year, have cast doubts on the take-home benefits of the new military syllabus proposed for the programme.
Many parents found the training module suggestion, which comprises 80 per cent military-based training and only 20 per cent nation building/ patriotism components as too harsh.
The New Straits Times interviewed several parents to gather their thoughts and acceptance of the NS 3.0 training programme.
Parents remained protective of their children, raising questions on what the new 80 per cent military syllabus would encompass and the need for such vigorous exposure, especially since Malaysia does not face imminent threats or has any known enemies.
A 48-year-old parent from Bukit Bandaraya, Mohd Ridzuan Akbar said he was not keen on return of the NS programme or its newly proposed syllabus, which aimed to produce quality, disciplined and patriotic youths through the 45-days programme.
"I believe all our children have been taught good moral values and mutual respect, unity and patriotism since primary 1 until they leave school at 17. We do not need another 45 days of strenuous training, military style, to craft them into better individuals. How will the NS training modules add value to their life or their future?" he asked.
Ridzuan called on the government and the defence ministry, to reevaluate its decision on the programme and state how it is supposed to benefit the trainees, upon completion of the programme.
"The government should consider other alternatives which are more acceptable to prepare them for the future," said the father of two.
Another parent, Faezah Mohd Norli, 51, said although most school leavers are considered to be active and healthy, activities or field training like in the army that are too strenuous should not be forced on them during NS.
"There is no need for these young children to be put through army training because I don't think Malaysia faces any imminent threats or war. Keeping the training and modules short, simple and easy to understand," she said.
The mother of two said she was fine with the reintroduction of the NS3.0 provided that it was to discipline and expose the students to knowledge and survival skills.
"I don't think they should be put through any rigorous military-like training. It might make them tough but it might also open doors to becoming a bully or being bullied," she added.
Another mother of three from Bandar Sri Damansara, S.Kamali whose eldest son had attended NS training before, said the training has benefits and disadvantages.
"The benefit is that children learn to be independent and organised. For instance, my eldest boy had never been away from the family for more than four days.
"When his name came up for the NS training selection previously, he had no choice but to go. What's worse, his training camp was located in a different state," she said.
Kamali said it was only later that she realised the three months at camp had taught her son to be disciplined, punctual, organised and independent.
"I found it was good exposure for him, ahead of his university studies," she said, adding that her youngest might be subjected to NS 3.0 next year, since he would be finishing Form Five next year.