Proposed Junior National Service Programme Needs Detailed Study Says Khaled

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The defence minister says modules and objectives must be clearly outlined, and expert input sought.
Defence minister Khaled Nordin was responding to a proposal by academic Anuar Ahmad, who said a three-month programme would help student character development. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: The proposal to create a “junior” version of the National Service (PLKN 3.0) programme to tackle misconduct and lack of discipline among students requires detailed study, says defence minister Khaled Nordin
Khaled said every proposal must be supported by in-depth study, and stressed that there is also a need for clearly outlined programme modules and objectives.
“It also needs views and input from experts. We cannot merely propose a solution without basis or detailed study,” he told FMT.
He was responding to a proposal by academic Anuar Ahmad of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who said a three-month “junior” PLKN programme would help student character development.
Anuar said the programme would help “polish” their potential, build a sense of mutual respect, and instil a passion for success.
“Student misconduct due to family poverty (can be addressed by) government aid. But for misconduct due to lack of discipline – fighting against teachers, violating school rules and so on – it would be good for the government to establish a junior National Service camp,” he said in a Facebook post.
He said students should be barred from using social media, but could take their classes as usual, throughout the programme.
PLKN 3.0 is a government initiative to nurture a young generation that is balanced in physical, mental, social and patriotic values.
The three training programmes this year serve as a trial phase before the full implementation begins in 2026. - FMT

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