ON October 30, 2002, the government announced that it would be compulsory for all youths to join a "modified" form of NS. An estimated 480,000 SPM school leavers in 2003 will be required to enlist for the six-month NS. Some flexibility will be employed on those studying overseas, but they are not totally exempt from it.

After careful consideration, especially on the high cost that may be incurred, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on March 26 disclosed the proposal for a transparent and fair selection of 100,000 youths for a three-month participation instead.

The CCNS has identified 12 public (eg. Universiti Teknologi Mara) and three private universities, and 27 teacher training colleges as possible NS training centres. The National Service Training Bill was passed in June.

The proposed training syllabus will cover basic military training – for example, military drills and basic arms training including weapons firing – currently used by the Defence Ministry on reserve soldiers. NS youths will also be taught to march, raise the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) and some basic shooting, all aimed at instilling discipline, patriotism, civic consciousness, team spirit and other positive values.

We recognise the importance of racial integration as one of the crucial elements for political, economical and social stability in an advancing society. We commend the government for taking progressive steps to overcome the revealed deficiencies and weaknesses by introducing the NS with the objectives of inspiring patriotism, and building character and racial harmony among young Malaysians.

We recognise the advantages and agree that the programme will:

• enhance racial ties and promote ethnic integration;
• promote character building among the young people, motivate and help them to make wiser decisions, as well as building manhood and confidence in each individual;
• complement the armed forces in time of national crises; it will establish a shared responsibility and a common commitment to the defence of the nation; and
• cultivate a sense of duty and loyalty to the nation.

We also perceive the potential limitations and therefore share our concerns as follows:

1. Ideally, NS is an effective tool to promote racial integration because every citizen, regardless of race, is given equal opportunity to serve in any area of service, namely, Airforce, Navy and Army.
   
   However, a three-month time frame may be too short to inspire patriotism and unity among the youths because the 10 years of public school education have apparently failed to achieve these objectives.
   
   Given such a short time, NS may not be able to provide the antidote for racial disintegration if the deep-seated issues are not first dealt with in schools and at home. Fostering a sense of patriotism takes time, given the understanding that NS alone cannot promote patriotism without the government addressing broader issues relating to equality among Malaysians.
   
   
2. Since the basis of the training programme is to strengthen the nation’s multi-religious and multicultural principles, will the youths be exposed to different faiths and cultures in the country? Will there be observance of all the provisions in the Federal Constitution, especially in relation to the freedom of religion?
   
   
3. The potential misuse of firearms training, for example using such knowledge to vandalise, rob, or just create chaos in the country.
   
   
4. NS may also generate unintended opportunities for corruption, for example bribing officials to avoid enlistment (since only 100,000 of the 480,000 youths will be enlisted).

Having carefully considered all the arguments for and against NS, and in view of the potential limitations and concerns for our Christian youths, NECF Malaysia, on behalf of the evangelical Christians, has made the following recommendations:

1. We urge the full observation of all Federal Constitution provisions relating to religious freedom, for example the freedom to worship, to profess one’s own religious beliefs, to possess and read the Bible. In this regard, we also request that a suitable time and place be allocated for worship.
   
   
2. We appeal for the setting up of a chaplaincy to cater to the spiritual needs of Christians in the NS. The evangelical Christian community is committed to providing the necessary manpower in this area.
   
   
3. We recommend the introduction of a pre-NS programme to ensure a smooth transition into NS for students after their SPM examinations. We will commission the programme for Christian youths that includes basic physical training and counselling.
   
   
4. We also implore CCNS to ensure that the aims and objectives of NS take into account the National Philosophy of Education and the principles of the Rukun Negara.
   
   
5. We beseech CCNS to ensure that the NS syllabus covers teachings that will instil the sense of purpose and discipline in the individual, structure and cohesion in the family; and independence, com- petitiveness, self-reliance and innovation in the society. We also request transpa- rency in the enlisting procedures.
   
   
6. We propose that representatives from each religious group be included in the CCNS. Their role is to provide religious advice and input in the planning process.

We commend this blueprint for recommendations to the Board of CCNS and also recommend that the Board appoint a team to work through the details of implementation together with NECF Malaysia.