The Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) or National Service Training Programme was Malaysia’s national service under the Barisan Nasional (BN) government. The programme was handled by the National Service Training Department under the Ministry of Defence.
In this three-month programme, 18-year-olds from around the country were drafted and trained to instil a spirit of volunteerism among the youth. However, on 13 August 2018, former Youth and Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government announced the abolishment of the PLKN programme.
In the Dewan Rakyat session today (24 November), Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri announced that the government is looking into reviving the National Service programme. He said that the programme has helped shape patriotism among Malaysian youths.
“Thank you Pontian MP for the suggestion of reviving the PLKN program. The Defence Ministry will propose to the Cabinet for the programme to be implemented again.”
Pontian MP, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who’s also the UMNO secretary-general tweeted his appreciation to the Defence Minister saying that PLKN is good for the future generation.
PENTING
Menteri Pertahanan @MINDEFMalaysia @IsmailSabri60 umum di #DewanRakyat (terhadap cadangan saya utk #Bajet2021)
Bahawa #PLKN Program Latihan Khidmat Negara akan dihidupkan semula setelah dihentikan oleh kjaan dahulu
Tkasih banyak. PLKN amat baik utk bina generasi muda✅ pic.twitter.com/pC2nXKhytY
— Ahmad b Maslan (@ahmadmaslan) November 24, 2020
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri added that since the National Service Act 1952 had placed PLKN under the Ministry of Defence, it will draft the papers for the programme to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
What do you think about the revival of PLKN? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: Government Revealed to Have Spent Over RM8 Billion on National Service Programme
