Why Revive PLKN?

PLKN or Program Latihan Khidmat Negara was first introduced in December 2003.  The programme was for 3 months. Unlike other countries such as South Korea or Singapore, the objective of PLKN was not for national defence but for the following objectives:

• Develop a young generation who are patriotic and love their country

• Enhance unity among the multi-racial communities in Malaysia

• Instil a spirit of caring and volunteerism among society

• Produce an active, intelligent and confident generation

• Develop positive characteristics among the younger generation through good values

Source: https://ms.wikipedia.org

From the start, PLKN encountered several problems ranging from logistical issues to racial polarization. So why do we bring back PLKN? The key issues with PLKN were:

1. 23 deaths since PLKN started

Since its inception, PLKN has recorded 23 deaths in total. Of course, mistakes happen but bear in mind, it took Singapore 40 years to get 23 deaths (1968 - 2008). Malaysia managed to accomplish that in half the time! 

Not to mention, the rapes, sexual assaults, and brawls that have happened in PLKN camps.

2. Failed to instil love for country

According to the National Patriots Association (Patriots), the programme has failed to instil patriotism among PLKN recruits. The veterans' group attributes this to the inexperienced personnel who handle the PLKN programme. According to Patriots, the PLKN programme isn't done by “people who love the country but by people who only have love for money.”

If you go on forums such as Reddit, you can find confessions from former PLKN recruits. According to one former recruit, they felt patriotic for 2-3 months after PLKN but that effect soon wore off. The only moment when the teachings got serious was during "patriotism" classes; it included preaching about how we should boycott certain Western countries to promote the local economy (Is this how we instil patriotism among our youths? By asking them to boycott certain Western countries?). According to some, PLKN was a huge waste of time. 

3. Waste of financial resources

The government spent RM8.43 billion over the 12 years PLKN was implemented. The bulk of the expenses (43%) was on camp rent excluding training curriculums. Retired Brigadier-General Arshad Raji has insisted that the previous PLKN incarnation was a waste of money and called for the Government to study in-depth the abolished PLKN as there were a lot of weaknesses. Currently, the proposal is for the age group 16-35 to attend for 45 days at a cost of about RM100m a year.

4. Lack of financial transparency

Financial transparency is another issue. Since its inception, critics have been vocal about the financial transparency of the millions awarded to the program and whether contracts were properly awarded. Trainees have even walked out and complained that they were not being compensated properly as promised by Institut Kepimpinan Wawasan (Vision Leadership Institute). 

The latest statement is the PLKN program is still being studied and its implementation is in 2025 at the earliest. Most if not all the objectives of PLKN can be achieved through the education system. No need for 3 months summer boot camp or a 45-day jaunt. 

We could spend the allocated RM100m for schools to conduct the PLKN program in their extra-curricular activities. Don’t you think?

References:

Opinion: PLKN was a failure. So why revive it? Aaron T, Newswav, 15 November 2023

PLKN 3.0 – is it really thought out? Danny Liew, Newswav, 8 November 2023