A GROUP of native rights organisations and social activists in Sarawak and Sabah said the Federal Government's plan to revive the National Service training scheme and enlist teens as young as 16 into these camps is a bad idea.
There had been 23 incidents that resulted in serious injuries, abuses and even deaths of NS trainees over the past two NS programmes, said Sarawakian activist Peter John Jaban.
He issued a public statement slamming the idea for the new round of NS slated to start early next year.
The signatories also included Timothy Jagak, president of Gabungan Orang Asal Sabah Sarawak, William Watson, president of Persatuan Ethnic Orang Asal Sarawak, Stephanie Lazarus, secretary general of MOPOT Moningolit Sabah and Daniel Jambun president of Foundation of Borneo's Plight in Malaysia.
"We do not see any justification for the revival of the National Service programme, let alone the idea of mandatory enlisting of 16-year-olds.
"Not giving any options and forcing families to send their children into such NS camps is a bad idea.
"There had been two NS programmes already and both ended up with serious cases including deaths, physical injuries and even physical abuses,” they said.
The reason given by federal ministry leaders to revive NS in early next year is to inculcate national loyalty and national identity.
Are these not being done in schools? Can they not be included in school activities?, they asked.
"If the authorities in the education system cannot do these at the school levels, the education system is a failure too.
"Reviving NS and forcing 16 year olds into NS camps is a really bad idea," they said.
They called on the federal leaders to carry out more discussions with all communities before reviving the NS programme. - October 31, 2024
