JULY 3 — The national service training programme is moving into its second phase, gradually shifting from the random draw basis to voluntary basis by 2019.

Such a change made in conjunction with the 10^th anniversary of the implementation of national service training programme is tailored to tackle the challenges faced by the country in the modern context in line with the needs for enhanced civic consciousness and national values.

Since its introduction in 2003, public reactions to the national service programme have been mixed.

While the programme has successfully instilled the elements of patriotism, national unity and discipline, there have also been hygiene, security and disciplinary issues at the camps.

The parents are concerned improper implementation of this programme might have a negative bearing on their children.

Moreover, the expenses incurred and lack of transparency in the awarding of contracts have become issues frequently raised by the opposition.

In other words, the national service training programme spent its last ten years in controversies such that the PM had to declare its suspension for one year on the excuse of challenging financial situation encountered by the country because this would help the country save some RM400 million in expenses.

Meanwhile, the government commissioned the defense ministry to set up a laboratory to explore the programme’s transformation leading to the emergence of NS 2.0.

Unfortunately, this transformation solution has given rise to more question marks.

If the programme is suspended for one year owing to economic problems, should the government offer an explanation for past expenses following the re-initiation of this programme? Will the transformed solution make the training programme more economically efficient while maximizing the original objectives of this programme?

In addition, the public will also like to know how the RM400 million savings from the suspension of NS training programme has been channeled to other matters that will benefit the rakyat more.

We must not forget that during the suspension of this programme, the NS operators and instructors have continued to draw their salaries while rents and maintenance of premises are still being spent.

The authorities say they will spend three years to experiment on the voluntary participation model to see whether it is feasible. If the response is found to be unsatisfactory, they might revert to the old model. Even the national service training department is worried whether the response would be satisfactory.

Many local Chinese organisations are not optimistic of this new model as well, for many parents nowadays would choose not to send their children to the training camps if given a choice. We have no idea the transformed NS 2.0 will effectively promote national unity among out youths.

National service programmes implemented in all other countries in the world have been compulsory in nature while the execution has been absolutely strict, unwavering by any policy change on the part of the government.

To put things forthright, it is a matter of the government’s execution capability and the confidence level of the public, such that many national projects supposed to benefit the country have ended up sheer waste of public funds that miss the erstwhile lofty targets of promoting national well-being and solidarity.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.