I have heard nothing but complaints about the National Service programme by readers. Why don't we give it a chance? People seem to be expecting miracles overnight. Even US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan needs time to make his monetary policies work.

The same applies to manufacturing situations. A factory needs to be tooled and prepped correctly before it can achieve efficiency and economies of scale. Accidents happen. Just accept the fact.

The government can put processes and procedures in place to make sure that the NS programme is running smoothly - the rest is up to the participants. The defence minister does not have the capability to 'control' each and every participant.

I have had the privilege to grow up in Terengganu where the Malay population outnumbers the Chinese population greatly. I have friends from all races and we still keep in touch today. I can truly say that I understand the Malay sensitivity and culture. How many of the KL Chinese can say that they truly understand the Malay-Muslim culture?

The NS programme give teens from different races the chance to mingle and participate in activities together without their parents interfering. The intention of the government is to get all our teens in one place and let them interact together. The kinks in the systems will be worked out. Give it some time.

Then we have this group who think that if they are late in enrolling in college due to their NS call-up, they will be failures in life. What is the big fuss about? I think the kiasu mentality is taking over.

They fear that some of their friends will get to graduate earlier and while they will still be in school. If you are chosen, serve the Jalur Gemilang proudly. The country has given you so much. What is wrong in giving some back to the country?

The government's intention is to make the country a better place for us. I think of the benefits of NS far outweigh the disadvantages.

We live in a plural society where understanding and tolerance are important for the survival of our beloved nation. So far I have heard nothing but bitchin' and moanin' from the letters published.

Just give the programme a chance.