Though clueless initially, most of the secondary school students polled by malaysiakini in the Bangsar area said the government's proposal to implement compulsory national service would benefit both themselves and the country, though they would prefer it to be on voluntary basis.

The Cabinet agreed on Oct 30 to introduce a compulsory uniformed national service to promote national integration and inculcate patriotism among the young generation.

On Oct 30 in the Dewan Rakyat, Defence Minister Najib Abdul Razak was quoted as saying that the ideal age group for enlistment in national service would be at the age of 18, after sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and that girls could be included as well.

He also said that the national service would not be purely military in nature but would include other "nationalist elements" that would create good values and positivity in the young generation.

Duty and unity

Students polled seemed to agree with him on most of the points. Mohd Fahrizal Zulkifli, a form five student and a scout at SMK La Salle (Brickfields), said that national service would solidify national unity.

Zul Effendi, 14, of SMK Bukit Bandaraya, concurred with Najib's view, saying that national service would not be a waste of time.

"It would be good for the unity of Malaysia and for service to the country. Even though I'm not interested in doing it, I would join because it is my duty for the country," he said.

Another 14-year-old who wished to be known only as Rai, said that national service would encourage personal growth, although individuals should be free to volunteer for it.

"It would be quite useful for the country to train some students to be better than what they are now, but it should not be compulsory, it should only be for those with the interest.

"Even if I had a choice, I would still join (national service) in order to improve myself," he said.

Voluntary

However, the compulsory part seemed to be the main sticking point with many students. Aisya Zulkifli, 17, of SMK Bukit Bandaraya, said that it is not right to impose national service on everyone.

"It is not OK because all students have their own interests and paths to follow. Not everyone should follow what the government says.

"Everyone has their own opinion, it should be up to the student to decide," she said.

Her schoolmate, Nurul Kharima, also 17, took a more pragmatic view of the situation.

"I don't think it's a good idea because our studies would be interrupted. In future, people may regret having had to enlist in national service," she said.

Isabella Sya, who will sit for her SPM at SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail this year, also said that national service ought to be voluntary.

"It is not a good idea to be made compulsory. It's just not relevant. What has military training got to do with patriotism?" she asked.

Anti-terror centre

She also drew a connection between Najib's national service proposal and the United States' plan to set up an anti-terror centre here.

"I would assume that national service would incorporate a stint at the anti-terror centre. Basic knowledge of counter-terrorism should be made compulsory during national service," she said.

Most of those polled also said that national service should not discriminate against either gender.

Form Two student Lim Pei Ling said that national service would provide good training, although she would have preferred it to be made voluntary. She also said that in this time of gender equality, females should also take part in it.

"Now they are saying guys and girls are equal so I think girls should be part of national service," she said.

Isabella agreed. "Sure they should be included! But no one should force anyone to enter it. It should be encouraged, not forced," she said.