National Service not suitable for Mat Rempit

PASIR MAS, June 7 – National Service Training Department (JLKN) director general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil has rejected suggestions that Mat Rempit be made to undergo National Service (NS) training, saying the programme was not suitable for them.

Abdul Hadi said the objective of initiating the NS was to enhance unity among the multi-racial communities, character building and positive characteristics among the younger generation through good values and it not a place to correct or rehabilitate Mat Rempit.

“To me, the NS has been successful because 80 to 85 per cent of the modules used had achieved its objective and that is why many have suggested to include them (Mat Rempit) in the programme,” he told reporters at the passing out ceremony for the second batch of trainees who completed their service at Cancun Park Camp here today.

Abdul Hadi added those identified for NS but wished to delay or be exempted, can now forward their appeal to the nearest camp in their area, instead of sending their appeal to the NS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

“The respective camp commanders can issue temporary certificates of approval. I urge those who have been identified for the third series of training starting June 16, to make such arrangements, if required, starting tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Kuching, National Service Training Council (MLKN) chairman Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe said in the next five years, the council would make it compulsory for all teenagers above 18 to undergo NS.

“It was also Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak’s wish to see all youths above 18 to go through NS when the programme was initiated in 2004, but youths were selected on a random basis due to shortage of resources to set up training facilities and train multi-skilled trainers.

“Right now, we cannot handle all 500,000-odd youths in the above-18 age group category. This year, 140,000 will undergo training at the 83 camps identified and we are increase the intake by 10 per cent every year,” he told reporters after witnessing the passing out ceremony for 369 NS trainees who completed their service at the Puncak Permai Bau camp near Kuching today.

Dr Tiki said during every intake, about 40 per cent of those identified for NS do not turn up for the programme although action can be taken against them, including jail and fine.

“We can’t put all of them in prison. As such, we are making some amendments in the laws of NS to direct those who do not attend training, to carry out community services,” he said. – Bernama