KUALA LUMPUR: The National Service 3.0 is crucial, and critical for nation-building, with its reimplementation in line with the current circumstances, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Responding to calls made by a parliamentary special select committee (PSSC) for the government to review its plans to bring back the National Service training programme, Khaled said its reimplementation was also based on comprehensive and thorough studies.

"Several academic studies have been conducted, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to assess the impact of this programme. The statistics on youth participation, participant satisfaction levels, and measurements of patriotism have shown positive outcomes.

"National Service 3.0 will be implemented with a new concept and format for Malaysian citizens aged 17 and above, beginning in 2025. This updated concept and format incorporate evaluations of the previous iterations of national services.

"The objectives of this programme's reimplementation are clear: to shape a new generation that prioritises patriotism, upholds noble values, consistently fosters unity, and embraces volunteerism.

"At the same time, it also aims to cultivate interest among young people in military-related careers and contribute to the nation," he said in a statement.

As such, Khaled said the programme should not be viewed merely as basic military training but instead, as a programme that encompasses a Nationhood Module (elements of identity, ove for the nation, and unity) to achieve the outlined objectives.

"Comparisons between National Service 3.0 and conscription programmes in other countries are not equivalent, as it focuses more on non-military training aspects, rather than prolonged active military service."

He added that to address weaknesses identified in the previous iterations of the programme, the Defence Ministry is currently making thorough preparations to implement trial training and a pilot project for National Service 3.0 at Territorial Army camps, set to begin as early as January 2025.

"To minimise expenditure, the ministry will conduct the programme at 13 Territorial Army camps, 20 public universities, Teacher Education Institutes (IPGs), and several polytechnics nationwide."

"The ministry also believes that instilling patriotism and strong personal values in young people is not an ancillary, supplemental, or secondary matter for the nation."

Yesterday, the PSSC on Nation Building, Education and Human Resources Development chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said the implementation of the National Service 3.0 lacks clear objectives and achievement targets.

He said this was a continuing issue stemming from the unclear objectives and targets.

Saifuddin also said studies have found that the National Service 1.0 and 2.0 programmes did not have long-term positive impacts on the participants.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/12/1144820/national-service-reimplementation-based-comprehensive-studies-khaled