National Service (NS)

June 19, 2006

Reconsider NS

Two years into the National Service (NS) programme, five deaths had occurred in different training camps throughout the country. Two of the trainees succumbed to some bizarre illness, two drowned and one beaten to death. Apart from these there have been many lesser untoward incidents.

This scenario has prompted concerned citizens and parents to request the government to re-think this national plan of getting young Malaysians together for the purpose of racial integration, instilling discipline and a sense of patriotism in them. All these deaths among the young are unfortunate and are unwarranted and it would be grievous fault on the part of the authorities to brush aside as isolated mishaps. It is a tragic loss to the families. Imagine the hopes and aspirations the parents would have had after toiling 17-18 years to bring them up only to result in their sudden tragic deaths in the form of national service that is not aimed to defend the nation.

As for trainees Nurul Ashikin Karino and S.Theresa Pauline who died of illness, the treatment provided in the initial phases were of questionable standards. It appeared that the authorities were not really fully prepared to handle such medical emergencies and took them rather lightly.

There must be more discussion and planning involving the public on the implementation of the NS programme. In fact many rights groups have cast doubts on the quality of the trainers, saying that they may not be professional nor capable enough to carry out their NS duties.

The government should seriously address these inadequacies. It should consider the feedback from parents and public seriously, not those of the trainees who are just 17 years old.

The need for the NS as it is implemented now should be reconsidered and stopped if possible before more of our children lose their lives.

Dr.Chris Anthony