PUTRAJAYA: The National Service 3.0, set to be rolled out in stages starting next month, is tailored to Malaysia's needs.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said unlike certain countries that have national service due to direct external threats, such as regional tensions, Malaysia's challenges are more on promoting unity within its diverse society.
"We must understand that we should not base our national service model on that of other countries.
"Some countries have national service because of external threats, like South Korea with North Korea or Taiwan (with China). We don't face such threats, but we do have our challenges.
"Our challenge is in fostering unity in diverse society. So, we follow our path.
"There are criticisms of the National Service 3.0, with some asking why it isn't a 100 per cent military-based programme. But we don't face the same challenges as those countries.
"Therefore, we are following our path, suited to our needs," he said after attending the National Centre for Defence Studies graduation ceremony.
The National Service 3.0 will comprise 30 per cent of basic national service modules and 70 per cent of basic military training.
Khaled said apart from military-related activities, there will be an emphasis on discipline and leadership.
When asked about concerns that the military-focused structure could lead to bullying, Khaled dismissed the possibility.
"On the bullying issue, we take into account that students, who are also cadets, stay together for four years while studying in the university. They interact regularly, with an ecosystem that includes both seniors and juniors.
"The national service, on the other hand, is a programme under the ministry. It places participants in camps, specifically targeting those who did not gain university admission.
"It runs in three cycles, with a total of 40,000 participants. Each cycle lasts for 40 days.
"I believe that since the participants won't be grouped together like cadets in the university, chances of bullying or abuse to occur are lower."