PUTRAJAYA: The newly launched Malaysia Madani National Training programme plays a vital role in propelling youths to grab opportunities in the "new realities" of today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said new challenges, which see emphasis in digital, new energy and artificial intelligence (AI), among others, demanded "new measures to be taken in a new spirit".
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"Malaysia is recognised as a major semiconductor hub in this region, with big companies investing here.
"Youth must grab the opportunities (presented in today's world)," he said in his keynote speech at the Malaysia Madani National Training module launch here today.
He added that the module also placed importance on patriotism by putting an emphasis on the sacrifices of the country's founders.
He said the module must challenge the minds so that participants could differentiate between the good and the bad, while instilling love for the country.
He said the module would be adapted and enhanced after its implementation, based on feedback.
"In the module, we appreciate the past leaders of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
"However, appreciating them doesn't mean we're bound to stay stuck as we are."
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the module was in line with the Federal Constitution and was fine-tuned to keep up with the times.
He said the country achieved independence thanks to the sacrifices of its past leaders.
"We have to understand that the country achieved independence due to the contributions of all.
"(With the) Malays as the pillars, and the participation of people of all races."
He said the people had a choice — to either strengthening and elevating the country or weakening and lowering its value with corrupt practices.
At the government level, he said, clear policies were drawn up with a new sense of confidence due to unity and political stability, while learning from past mistakes.
Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM), which is under the Prime Minister's Department, leads collaborations with all parties to ensure the training programme's effectiveness.
The academy, formerly known as the Institute of Leadership Excellence and Development (i-LEAD), was previously placed under the Youth and Sports Ministry before being transferred to the department in January.
The National Service Training Programme (PLKN), which was introduced in February, 2004, was scrapped in August, 2018.
It was replaced by the "Malaysia Future Leaders School" programme, held during school holidays, which follows the summer camp concept.
Since last year, there have been reports of the programme making a comeback, but with a revamped curriculum.