KUALA LUMPUR: Former Armed Forces chief General (Rtd) Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal will chair the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) council, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister announced the appointment Monday (May 5) during the pre-launch of the PLKN 3.0, which saw the formation of the 10-member council.
The appointment was consented to by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and took effect on April 14, Khaled added.
The PLKN 3.0 council also includes five ministry secretaries-general: 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).
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Three representatives from major ethnic groups were also appointed: Malaysian Youth Council president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid, Malaysian Youth Council deputy permanent chairman Soon Honn Keong, and Universiti Sains Malaysia Professor of Sociology Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.
Datuk Shahminah AG Sahari, the Internal Affairs and Research secretary with the Chief Minister's Department, was named to represent Sabah.
Khaled said all the appointments were made under Section 7 of the National Service Training Act 2003.
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“This appointment is not merely a recognition of the members’ capabilities and experience, but also a great trust that must be carried out with dedication and integrity.
“This line-up is a strong combination representing diverse backgrounds and experiences.
“This is essential to ensure every decision is made inclusively and reflects our society’s diversity,” he said at Defence Ministry headquarters here.
Khaled stressed that the council members must keep in mind the complex realities of today’s challenges, which demand wisdom and discernment.
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He said the council must continuously take proactive measures not just to improve the training modules but also to reinforce public confidence in the importance of the PLKN to the country.
“While not every citizen may be 100% patriotic or willing to make sacrifices for the nation, we must earnestly pursue interventions to instil these values.
“That said, there are still segments of society who hold strong patriotic sentiments and love for the country.
“The ministry and the government are determined to ensure that each generation will have individuals who understand their role, responsibilities and value to the nation,” he said.
