KULAI: Some 87% of respondents of a nationwide survey, including parents, support the National Service Training Programme, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
He said the public survey of 3,000 respondents aged between 16 and 60, was conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MIDAS).
"Based on the survey, 87% of the respondents support the programme as they want to see young people have a clear direction in their lives.
"We want to expose our youths to leadership knowledge, which is lacking in our current education system.
"We want to address this missing link through this training programme," he told a press conference after attending the launch of FOZ Industries Sdn Bhd's headquarters on Thursday (Jan 9).
He added that the programme’s so-called version 3.0, set to begin this year, integrates 70% basic military training and 30% nation-building elements.
"This will enhance personal skills and capabilities, including communication and critical thinking," he said.
On a separate matter, Johari said the selection system for 'Parlimen Belia' (Youth Parliament) members will be revamped this year to produce more capable youths.
"I was given the responsibility to educate our youths and help them develop skills to be future leaders through the Youth Parliament programme.
"I am restructuring their selection to ensure that every constituency is represented by a youth aged 18 to 35," he said, adding that there are currently 100 representatives involved in the programme.
The Malaysian Youth Parliament is a platform that allows youths to experience participation in Parliament.
