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Too many holes in rushed national service scheme

Eric Mudasi's emotional letter resonates with me. Fortunately, my children are 10 years away from having to participate in the national service scheme that has been given little thought and which is being rushed through Parliament. By then, it will either be modified or scrapped completely.

If I had a child within three years of national service, I would join the ranks of those who form the bulk of the brain drain in Malaysia or deserters, as some would cruelly call those who emigrate.

Not that I am against discipline, military regiment or efforts to raise loyalty and patriotism among Malaysians.

But the lack of transparency in the programme, the hurried manner in which it is being made law, the lack of integrity and discipline among our leaders and policy makers, and finally, the racial intolerance in government and the army are all cause for concern.

The responsibility of raising the young and the values they adopt in life are that of the family - no government or political party should interfere.

If they come out more disciplined and wiser and the programme contributes to character building, then well and good.

My concern, like that of many parents, is this: if they come out as narrow-minded BN supporters or militant anti-government activists, then what do we do?

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