-By Muhammad Danial bin Yusofhariyono
The National Service Training Programme is a programme specifically developed to instil a sense of Malaysian identity in young people in Malaysia. This is because Malaysia is a unique country with a diverse range of languages, cultures, ethnicities, and faiths. To create a harmonious and unified country, the government developed the PLKN to give birth to a plural society that is united and enthusiastic about patriotism regardless of religion, language, or race. The previous national service training lasted three months and took place at national service training centres throughout Malaysia's districts. This PLKN has a military philosophy as well as a nationalistic one in order to create a civilised and disciplined Malaysian society.
Next, people who join in this PLKN will receive an RM 300 allowance for their three-month participation. The stipend was then doubled to RM 450 over a three-month period. However, the PLKN was briefly suspended in 2015. As a result of the suspension, the government saved RM 400 million to run the PLKN programme. This RM 400 million covers the cost of maintaining PLKN centres, as well as clothes, food, and lodging for participants. In 2018, the government agreed to phase down the National Service Training Programme and replace it with the Malaysia Future Leader School (MFLS) programme.
Malaysia Future Leaders School (MFLS) is a programme that would prepare the country's youth to be leaders with integrity and a strong sense of self. The concept of this programme is based on the Japan Future Leaders School programme. This programme is overseen by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and RM 138 million is allocated to both the Youth Club and the MFLS.
The youth then announced, through the Minister of Defence, that the PLKN will be reestablished in 2025. The PLKN's re-establishment this time is based on the Territorial Soldier module, with 80% based on military training and 20% governed by the constitution. He stated that the PLKN will take place in 13 Territorial Army locations around Malaysia, as well as the Police Training Centre (PULAPOL), in two parts. The first phase includes 16-year-old youth who will receive an introduction at the school level. Phase two will be held for students who are 18 years old and have completed the Malaysian Education Certificate.
In terms of finances, the government would invest a significant amount of money to fix the infrastructure and necessities in the Territorial Army and PULAPOL camps. Not only that, but the expense of maintaining the Territorial army camp is believed to be fairly high, as is the cost of operating the 45-day programme.
On the other side, PLKN 3.0 participants will be provided with food, official PLKN outfits, including apparel, PLKN stripes, and shoes, as well as allowances during the training. The government can use current money to strengthen the Territorial Army troops as well as other service reserve units in the Malaysian Armed troops, such as the RMN Voluntary Reserve Force (PSSTLDM) and the RMAF Voluntary Reserve Force (PSSTUDM). The framework of the training module is identical to the present MAF reserve team. The government may save costs by launching a promotion to get Malaysian teenagers to join the uniformed body.
Volunteers in the Territorial Army must complete a month-long Young Soldier Basic Course (Volunteer) (APMS). The difference from the national service programme is merely 15 days. Students in the course will be taught military essentials directly as well as constitutional principles indirectly. During the 30-day course, an allowance comparable to pay of up to RM 1500 would be paid. Food, housing, and accommodation are all available. Furthermore, any Territorial Army member who completes 320 hours of training in a year will get RM 520 in consolation money, and if this Territorial Army member completes 240 hours of training and 320 hours, they will receive recompense.
The government can consider implementing this PLKN in the future based on budgetary considerations, as the current situation is not favourable. Malaysians' income is also insufficient, with oil prices rising and the cost of essential products increasing. Furthermore, if this PLKN programme runs concurrently with the Territorial Soldier course, it would consume a very high cost when combined with the Malaysia Future Leaders School (MFLS) programme, which is also still ongoing.
Aside from that, the concerned party might tell the employers to release reserve force personnel if their services are required. The public first learned about the duty of this Territorial Soldier in 2019, when the whole world was afflicted by the Covid-19 outbreak. Many Malaysians who are members of the Territorial Army lost their employment and took the initiative to report to their respective forces to support the regular troops of the Malaysian Armed Forces in the National Task Force by performing roadblocks and patrols.
As a result, before launching a programme, this consideration and cross-check must be thoroughly scrutinised, taking into account certain critical factors such as the country's finances. The money given to this PLKN 3.0 programme can be used by the government to empower Territorial Army and other MAF reserve forces, as well as to educate the public about the necessity and virtue of Territorial Army.