National service: Government should seek views of all political parties
as well as NGOs
Media Statement
by Kerk Kim Hock
(Petaling Jaya, Wednesday):
It has always been the DAP's position to support the introduction of
compulsory military national service as such a scheme will enable all races
to undergo the necessary training and play their role in the defence of
their beloved country.
However, it now appears that the national service programme is not the kind
of military national service that has been generally understood by the
Malaysian public.
I therefore wish to express my reservations over the compulsory national
service scheme announced yesterday by the Defence Minister because:
1. the national service scheme announced is not the generally expected
military type
2. the government has not sought the views of all political parties, NGOs
and youth bodies
3. that the scheme details have yet to be announced
It has been said that the main objective of the scheme is to instill sense
of patriotism among the youths. However, the lack of patriotism has never
been and is not a problem for the nation.
If the objective is to strengthen the spirit of patriotism, the question
which has arisen is why cannot it be done through some school syllabus or a
two-month intensive course conducted during the school holidays?
Besides seeking views and consensus of all political parties and NGOs on
what should be the type and duration of the scheme, the government must also
assure the people that the scheme will not veer towards partisan politics.
(13/11/2002)
* Kerk Kim Hock
, DAP Secretary General and MP for Kota Melaka
|
http://dapmalaysia.org