Mindef aims to ensure NS succeeds
Recognising the best: Mohamed Khaled (left) presenting the Letters of Appointment to PLKN Council members to Prof Sivamurugan after launching the PLKN 3.0 at Mindef as Armed Forces chief, Jeneral Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, looks on. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry is committed to ensuring the success of National Service Training (PLKN) 3.0, with a clear focus on instilling patriotic values in future generations, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Speaking at the pre-launch of the programme yesterday, the Defence Minister acknowledged that not all citizens may be patriotic or willing to make sacrifices for the nation.
He emphasised the importance of actively pursuing initiatives to foster these values.
'There are still segments of society who hold strong patriotic sentiments and love for the country.
'For the ministry and the government, we are determined to ensure each generation will have individuals who understand their role, responsibilities and value to the nation,' he added.
At the event, Mohamed Khaled announced that former Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal had been appointed to lead the 10-member PLKN Council.
He said Abdul Aziz's appointment was consented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and took effect on April 14.
He said the council carries the mandate to strengthen public confidence in the credibility, seriousness and the noble objectives of PLKN 3.0.
'This is a recognition of the abilities and experience of all council members. It also represents a significant trust that must be fulfilled with full dedication to instil patriotism among trainees.
'I am confident that the current line-up is a strong combination that represents diverse backgrounds and experiences.
'This diversity is crucial to ensure every decision made is inclusive and reflects our society's diversity,' he said.
At the event, he also presented Letters of Appointment to PLKN Council members including the secretaries-general of five ministries, who represent the government.
They are Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali (Defence), Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hashim (Education), Datuk Dr Aneese Ibrahim (Higher Education), Datuk Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu (Youth and Sports) and Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff (Women, Family and Community Development).
Three members, who represent the major ethnic groups are Malaysian Youth Council president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid and deputy permanent chairman Soon Honn Keong as well as Universiti Sains Malaysia's professor of Political Sociology, Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.
Also appointed is Datuk AG Shahminah AG Sahari, secretary for Internal Affairs and Research of Sabah Chief Minister's Department.
Mohamed Khaled said the council members must acknowledge the complex realities of today's challenges, which demand wisdom and discernment.
He said the council must continuously take proactive measures not just to improve the training module, but also to reinforce public confidence in PLKN.
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