Opposition Leader Abdul Hadi Awang said today that PAS supported the National Service Training Bill 2003 but wanted the government to meet a few pre-conditions first. Among them, that the proposed bill, when it becomes law, will not be abused.

"No doubt we too wish to defend the country, as we too are patriotic, not just the government," he said.

However, Hadi declined to elaborate on the party's suggestions to 'improve' the proposed bill saying that he would address the issues in Parliament.

Beginning next February, the government will implement a three-month compulsory national service programme for 18-year-olds. To begin with, only 100,000 young men and women out of an eligible 480,000 will be selected for the scheme.

Plans to propose a National Service Training Bill 2003 will be tabled at the next Dewan Rakyat session which begins tomorrow.