The Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) supported the implementation of compulsory national service but wants the government to be sensitive to the different cultural and religious needs of those taking part in the programme.

Its president Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said the council had conveyed their views on this matter to Defence Minister Najib Abdul Razak in a meeting at his ministry in Kuala Lumpur today.

"We had suggested to him to consider integration and unity among the various races in the country as well as their respective racial and religious sensitivities," Mohd Khir said during a press conference after the meeting.

The cabinet committee on national service on Tuesday proposed that every Malaysian upon reaching the age of 18 in 2004 is required to undergo six months of compulsory national service.

According to government officials, the primary aim of national service is to instill the spirit of patriotism and discipline among Malaysian youths.