As follow-up to my previous letter, I must express my happiness that the Defense Ministry has decided to drop the punitive clauses in the proposed national service bill. This is certainly a healthy and positive step towards a caring government, which is sensitive to the sentiments of the public. Bravo!

While removal of the proposed penalty is commendable, the caring and understanding attitude of the government should be further crystalised in dialogues and consultations with the relevant and affected parties such as teachers, parents, the Education Ministry, and the Youth and Sports Ministry.

The programme module and structure should be made transparent with proper controls and monitoring mechanism well in place. The Defence Ministry should not rush into implementing the national service in haste without first obtaining the buy-in and confidence of the public.

I strongly believe most of our citizens are not against the principle of the national service. However, as concerned citizens, it is legitimate to expect to be consulted and opportunity to participate in the planning stage.

This will certainly help in a very big way to dispel whatever doubts clouding the proposed scheme. However, let's give credit where credit is due and syabas again to the Defense Ministry.