Critical to get PLKN 3.0 right

Pilot phase an opportunity for improvement and refinement

A NEW year is an opportunity for self-reflection and self-improvement, and 2025 is no different.

It is also a big chance for the National Service Training Programme 3.0 (PLKN3.0) – which is set for a 14-day trial run from Jan 12 – to aim for renewal and growth.

The revival of PLKN3.0 had raised critical questions about its readiness and purpose, with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Nation-Building, Education and Human Resources Development earlier this month urging the government to delay its rollout – pending solutions to possible shortcomings or setbacks.

As the PSCC argued, the pause will help ensure the programme’s structure is sound, ahead of a safe and effective implementation.

While the programme commendably aims to instil patriotism, foster unity and promote personal development among youth, the earlier iterations of the National Service were unfortunately mired in controversies.

As then Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Abd Rahim Bakri reported to Parliament in 2013: over the course of PLKN1.0 and PLKN2.0, 20 deaths, one rape case, 442 incidents of fights or misunderstandings, while 242 police reports were recorded.

Investigations showed that these were not isolated incidents, shaking public confidence in the programme’s overall structure in terms of safety and quality.

Parents became haunted by the spectre of sending their children out into what should have been a safe and supportive environment.

It is thus imperative for the implementation of NS3.0 to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has stressed that the revamped programme is based on thorough and in-depth studies on its impact and refinement of curriculum.

However, amid assurances by the Defence Ministry that PLKN3.0 will be different or better, the youth programme remains in the shadow of its predecessors.

This is where the pilot phase of PLKN3.0 can make a difference: the trial will allow for further studies and adjustments in critical areas such as staff training, readiness of facilities and well-being of participants.

Of paramount priority is the tightening of safety for trainees.

The reports of food poisoning, sexual harassment, bullying and even deaths at higher learning institutions, including the National Defence University, serve as a reminder on the fragility of existing safety mechanisms.

A robust framework for dealing with bullying, harassment and other risks must be in place for the full implementation of PLKN3.0.

The content and goals of the programme also need to be clearer; while the government says there will be a combination of military-style training and civic education, it must explain how these components will meet the stated objectives.

The aspects of unity and patriotism are worthy values to instil, but how are they being measured in the first place?

Without proper guidelines and targets, PLKN3.0 risks ending up as a mere costly symbolic gesture bereft of any meaningful nation- building potential.

Finally, the intention of PLKN3.0 itself needs to be open to critical scrutiny. Is it meant to promote national unity, develop character in young people or inculcate discipline through military-style training?

Each of these three purposes will have different approaches and indicators of success.

The programme runs the risk of being less effective without a clear focus – a jack of all trades sailing on a rudderless boat as a master of none.

While noble, good intentions are not enough in the case of PLKN3.0 – it needs to instil confidence in all stakeholders, from parents to participants.

The confidence must be premised on transparency, accountability and detailed planning.

The National Service is a legacy that requires much more in the way of systemic change.

The upcoming pilot process is a good opportunity to address the prevailing concerns and refine the objectives of the programme.

With due diligence, we can ensure that PLKN3.0 will live up to its transformative ideal.