Most of the 80’s and 90’s babies can relate to the unforgettable experience of participating in the National Service (PLKN). The joy of meeting new friends, the intensity of training self-discipline, and the anxiety of being far from home.
The mixed feelings that some of us used to get from the program itself are priceless. PLKN was 1st introduced in 2003 before its abolishment in 2018. If you’re hoping for the return of the program for the sake of the youth, we can tell you that there is hope for that. In a recent interview with Astro Awani, Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Abdul, the speaker of the Dewan Rakyat expressed his desire to bring back the youth training program.
“It’s the best place for the youth”
Johari pointed out that the discussion to bring back PLKN is ongoing, and it’s not just about instilling patriotism in the youth but also about nation-building. He added that such a program does not exist in schools and universities to prep and train the youth.
“PLKN brings the youth together. It gets them to talk about what they want for the future. Where else would they be if there was no platfrom like PLKN?”
Johari also said that he hopes to see the youth being exposed to leadership skills.
“I want to see the youth becoming a good leader and I want to see the country on the right track.”
To those who were part of the training program, what were your fondest memories about it? Do you think it’s a wise move to bring back PLKN?
