NECF was given the task of gathering more information from Christian military personnel in Singapore on the national service in Singapore, as well as information about the Malaysian army from Malaysian Christians who are holding senior positions in the army.

The information gathered will be discussed at the next discourse, after which the commission hopes to organise a forum with influential speakers such as social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and politician Datuk Dr Ron Tan. The ultimate aim of these various activities is to present the evangelicals’ position on the issue to the government and the public.

During the discourse, some participants voiced their concern about the danger of teaching youths to handle arms and ammunition. They fear that the youths may wrongly use their newfound skill for criminal activities or religious purposes. There was also concern that the national service may be a school for political or religious indoctrination.

However, these concerns were overshadowed by the advantages of national service, such as instilling discipline and cultivating responsibility among our youths; and racial integration.

The participants agreed that the Christian community should present its concerns and make definite proposals to the Government before the programme is tabled at the cabinet. The proposals should include time-off for church meetings, access to the Bible and pastoral counselling. In short, all provisions in the Federal Constitution with regards to religious rights must be observed in the NS programme.

The discourse observed that the Prime Minister appears sincere in the issue of racial integration; the government seems to be consciously moving towards secularism and appears interested in involving the Christian in its efforts to build such a state. The Church must therefore respond by constantly and consistently relaying our concerns and proposals.

On the issue of education, participants reiterated the call for more Christians to join the teaching force.

The roundtable discourse is held monthly to develop a Christian worldview and biblical framework on the current issues in Malaysia. Participation is by invitation.