The government expects to spend RM500 million on the compulsory three-month national service programme each year for 100,000 trainees, starting from February next year.

And there will be no evading participation. The National Service Training Bill 2003 - which provides for a fine of RM3,000 or six months' jail or both - will be tabled during the next Dewan Rakyat session which begins on Monday.

Defence Minister Najib Tun Razak, who chairs the special cabinet committee on national service, said today that dodgers would still have to serve out training.

Under the scheme, the first batch of trainees will be selected using a computer programme from an eligible 480,000 young men and women born in 1986. The majority will be sitting the SPM examination this year.

Selection will be representative of gender, race and state of origin, Najib told a press conference at his ministry today.

He said the programme is intended to foster the spirit of patriotism, encourage racial integration, and develop "positive and noble traits" among the younger generation.

'Nation building'

The cabinet had initially proposed a six-month programme after the idea was mooted last October by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad

Najib attributed the main modification - a shorter duration and fewer recruits - to financial constraints and infrastructure limitations.

He denied that the national service scheme has anything to do with public perception of dwindling BN support among the youth.

"This is not a political programme, but about nation building," Najib said in response to a question.

He also said there could be no comparison of Malaysia's approach with the national service programmes of neighbouring countries such as Singapore.

"Singapore's programme is part of its defence requirement, while our overall objective is nation building," he said.

Transparent process

Najib clarified that the scheme would be compulsory for all eligible candidates and that only those who are disabled or have health reasons would be exempted.

However, those who require time to complete their education abroad may defer enlistment until their return home.

(In March, news reports had quoted sources in reporting that the government would exempt students with excellent academic performance, as well as those who are technically skilled or studying abroad.)

"The shortlisting (of trainees) will be done in a transparent manner, the public will be invited to oversee the selection," Najib said.

The scheme will be implemented by a new national service training department, which will be supervised by a Council on National Service.

The council will consist of a chairperson, five government representatives and between three and five three representatives of the main ethnic groups. They will be appointed by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for a three-year term.

Training components

Najib also said the government does not intend for the training to be "torturous".

"We intend to provide a cheery environment that will be beneficial (for youth)," he said, explaining that there would be a month of outdoor camp living and two months of hostel stay.

A total of 16 outdoor training locations has been identified on various terrains such as on jungle fringes, hilltops, rivers banks and beaches. Selection of such locations is based on available infrastructure.

Institutes of higher learning and teacher's training colleges will be used during the school holidays to accommodate the trainees.

The programme will focus on basic military training, patriotic training and personal development including community service.

Under the first component, participants will go through standard military training which includes the use of basic firearms.

Patriotic training will cover subjects like national sovereignty and honour, national defence, international issues and threats to national security.

Community service work is envisioned to include assisting public agencies, community centres and non-governmental organisations.

Activities such as rural projects, group research, environmental renewal, and development or improvement of public services will be part of this component.