KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher has opposed the reintroduction of the national service programme due to its high cost.
Pakatan Harapan's Raub member of parliament Chow Yu Hui said the National Service Training Programme 3.0 was not a necessity.
He urged the government to review the need to bring back the programme that was cancelled in 2018.
He said the study should look into the programme's impact and benefit for the public.
"I stand here today with a clear stance, which is to oppose the proposal to reimplement the national service programme.
"Firstly, it requires a very large allocation. In the current economic situation, our country is still facing financial challenges."
He said the country was still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and dealing with the increasing cost of living and pressures of inflation.
"Shouldn't the funds allocated for the national service programme be directed to more critical sectors, such as education and health, and to empower the people's economy?
"Is this programme an urgent need at this time?"
Chow said this while debating the 2025 Supply Bill in Parliament today.
He said the national service programme was introduced to foster patriotism, discipline and unity among youth, but he questioned whether there were studies to review the programme's effectiveness.
"I know there have been several studies. But with such a big budget, does it match the desired positive impact?
"If the aim is to produce youth who are more disciplined and patriotic, why don't we focus on more holistic programmes involving the community, as well as formal and informal education?"
He said programmes like Rakan Muda, volunteer initiatives and efforts by schools and universities could be improved to foster good values without burdening the government's coffers.
"I believe we all want the best for the future generation. But let it be done wisely, with insight and based on research and the actual needs of society."
The National Service Training Programme 3.0 is expected to begin mid next year in two phases.
The basic training phase includes 30 per cent basic national service modules and 70 per cent basic military training.
The basic national service modules developed by the Higher Education Ministry will cover self-identity, patriotism and unity, while modules developed by the Defence Ministry will be based on experiential learning and group training.