-By Nur Umairah Binti Samhasri
Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) is a program designed to promote unity, national identity, and patriotism among Malaysian youths. It was a compulsory program for all Malaysian citizens aged 18 years and above, lasting for three months and including physical, national service, character building, and community service modules.
The program is being restarted as PLKN 3.0 with some changes. The main purpose is still to restore the spirit of love for the country and foster racial unity. The program will include military-style physical training, citizenship modules, character-building modules, and community service, but with a larger focus on military training (80%) compared to national service (20%) and it will be shorter than before.
PLKN 3.0 is expected to benefit participants through individual development, increased national awareness, social integration, national security awareness, and preparation for the job market.
PLKN 3.0: Building Well-Rounded Individuals
PLKN 3.0 isn't solely focused on national pride. It offers a multifaceted approach to youth development, aiming to equip participants with a well-rounded skillset for life.
Firstly, individual growth. The program fosters personal development through activities like physical training and group work. These activities instill valuable skills like self-discipline (time management, rule-following), resilience (overcoming challenges), and self-confidence (learning new skills, taking leadership roles). Additionally, self-development courses hone essential life skills like problem-solving and communication. Secondly, national identity and
awareness. PLKN 3.0 educates participants on Malaysian values, history, and culture. This cultivates a strong sense of national awareness and national identity. Participants gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and role as responsible citizens. Thirdly, social integration. PLKN 3.0 promotes understanding and respect between different cultures and communities by bringing together youths from diverse backgrounds. Living and working in close quarters fosters interpersonal skills like empathy and social awareness, encouraging participants to appreciate each other's differences. Next is national security consciousness. Military training and physical fitness activities cultivate a sense of national security consciousness. Participants develop a responsibility for protecting their country and may gain valuable skills applicable to civil defense situations. Lastly, job market preparation. The experiences gained in PLKN 3.0 translate well into the workforce. Transferable skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership are highly valued by employers. Participants learn valuable skills for collaboration, time management, initiative, and work ethic.
In essence, PLKN 3.0 goes beyond building national pride. It aspires to create well- rounded individuals with the skills and confidence to succeed in all aspects of life.
Disadvantages and weaknesses of PLKN 3.0
Despite aiming to create well-rounded individuals, PLKN 3.0 faces challenges like financial strain, pressure to participate, lack of individualization, effectiveness concerns, and health and safety issues.:
Firstly, there is financial strain. The program requires significant funding from the government for facilities, staff, food, and operational costs. This can place a burden on the national budget, especially if resources are stretched thin. Critics argue that these funds could be better allocated toward other youth development initiatives or social programs. Secondly, there is pressure to participate. Although officially voluntary, the social pressure to participate in PLKN 3.0 can be immense. Family expectations, peer pressure, and potential consequences for not participating (such as limited access to scholarships or future employment) can make it feel mandatory for many youths. This can undermine the intended spirit of volunteerism
and self-development. Thirdly, there is a lack of individualized focus. PLKN 3.0 uses a standardized approach, and some participants may find the program irrelevant to their personal goals or future career paths. Youths with specific interests or talents may not find that the program caters to their individual needs. This can lead to feelings of disengagement and a sense that the program is not beneficial. Next, effectiveness concerns. There are criticisms regarding the program's effectiveness in achieving its stated goals. Some argue that the focus on military training overshadows other aspects like leadership development or national identity education. Additionally, the program's duration (potentially shorter in PLKN 3.0) might be questioned as sufficient to instill long-lasting change or promote a deep understanding of complex topics.
Lastly, health and safety issues. There have been reported incidents of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities during PLKN programs. Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of medical facilities and staff to handle emergencies, as well as the potential risks associated with physically demanding activities, especially for participants with underlying health conditions.
These disadvantages highlight the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of PLKN 3.0. Finding the right balance between cost-effectiveness, individual needs, program design, and participant safety is crucial for maximizing the program's positive impact on young Malaysians.
Conclusion
PLKN 3.0 offers a promising approach to youth development in Malaysia, aiming to foster well-rounded individuals with valuable skills and a strong national identity. However, to fulfill its potential, the program needs to address some key challenges. Striking a balance between financial constraints and program effectiveness is essential. Additionally, ensuring genuine voluntarism and potentially incorporating a more individualized approach could improve participant buy-in and engagement. Finally, prioritizing participant safety through proper medical support and risk mitigation strategies is crucial. By addressing these challenges, PLKN 3.0 can evolve into a successful program that empowers young Malaysians to become responsible citizens and thrive in the future.
References
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Ismail, M. M., Noor, M. M., & Othman, Z. (2016). Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN): Wadah Baru Sosialisasi Politik. Research Journal of Social Sciences, 9(3), 28-36.
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(Terjemahan), A. H. (2024, March 13). PLKN 3.0 perintis Bermula Tahun Ini, Libatkan pelajar tingkatan 4. Majoriti.com.my. https://majoriti.com.my/berita/2024/03/13/plkn-30-perintis-bermula-tahun-ini- libatkan-pelajar-tingkatan-4