LETTERS: I SUPPORT the revival of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN).
Seeing Israel's attacks on Gaza and the possibility of more wars looming, I believe it makes sense for our country to prepare for any eventuality.
Before National Service was rolled out in 2004, it was tested for several years and was called Program Khidmat Sosial Negara (PKSN).
Unlike National Service, we had to apply to participate in PKSN as places were limited.
After the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia was done and dusted, my friend and I applied to join National Service.
National Service was held for 45 days in training centres. PKSN, on the other hand, was a 15-day programme and was held at Tekam Plantation Resort, Jerantut, Pahang (now known as Felda Residence Tekam).
There were 50 of us and we stayed in chalets, had our buffet meals by the pool and our schedules were packed with activities ranging from electing our own government officials to going through obstacle courses and river rafting.
We also had the chance to stay a night in Gua Senyum and two nights with a host family in Felda Padang Piol, Jerantut.
Unlike the National Service's famous blue camouflage uniform, our attire consisted of a blue, long-sleeved collared shirt and a tracksuit.
We also wore formal wear, that is, baju kurung for girls and shirt and tie for boys during indoor activities.
Although 15 days were hardly sufficient to fulfil the programme's goal, it was enough to make a lasting impression on a young person.
We learned to work as a team to overcome adversity and understood the fact that as youths, we had unlimited potential waiting to be unleashed.
There was a lot of pushback on social media after NS 3.0 was announced.
As a person who has reaped the benefits of National Service, I would like NS 3.0 to achieve its goal and for the trainees to be proud that they were selected.
It would be beneficial if the relevant ministries asked former participants and trainers of PKSN and NS for feedback on how to improve this programme.
FAIRY FARINA
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times