Not only has the National Service (NS) scheme failed to deliver on its stated objectives, it has also led to the wastage of RM500 million in public funds, says the DAP Selangor, which wants the current model to be scrapped.

In a report submitted on Saturday to the parliamentary Select Committee on National Service and National Unity, it said the programme must be considered "counter-productive if the trainees do not obtain any significant benefits".

"Until and unless (the) weaknesses are overcome, RM500 million can be saved for more beneficial and productive projects that favor the rakyat ," it said.

"The government must study the reasons behind its failure to fulfill its stated objectives of fostering national unity, inculcating motivated youths with idealism, social and practical skills."

The report acknowledged that many had expressed support for the programme on the basis that it would toughen up young adults.

"Some believe that by placing all these youngsters in one place to live, play and train together, it will foster better understanding and promote the spirit of muhibbah and racial harmony.

"In reality, the programme somehow has failed to produce significantly positive results. Or to put it very mildly, the results simply do not match the huge amount of money spent on the programme."

List of shortcomings

The crux of the report was a list of 10 main areas of weaknesses. Heading this was the complaint that participation has been based on random selection to date. This year, 80 000 of the 400 000 eligible Malaysians were selected.

The value of the experience was also called into question based on the inexperience of the cadre of trainers, with many being being "too young" and "unsure of what to do".

"There are no proper guidelines for the trainers. They have to come up with their own ways to conduct the lessons. It seems that the classroom modules vary from camp to camp. The lessons are mainly one 'moral' lesson after another- they are useless and boring, according to trainees.

"The treatment of trainees is not consistent. Levels of discipline vary from camp to camp. (Each) camp should not be able to mete out harsher punishments for the same offence...just because the trainer/commander feels like it."

The report further questioned achievements in the objective to encourage racial integration through the compulsory three-month programme.

"(It) doesn't seem to foster the muhibbah spirit as groups tend to cluster according to racial lines. A small number do mix around but the extent that this is happening is minimal, judging from feedback.

"Some kids have made new friends. But others have made new enemies because of fights and misunderstanding."

Money spinner

DAP Selangor also challenged the need to spend so much on implementation, especially when the problem has been compounded by poor planning.

"The programme costs RM500 million every year. It is basically a money-making machine for cronies. The money could be used for other programmes which are much more useful and effective in shaping the character of youths."

"There are five meals a day! Uniforms are washed by outside contractors. If these are not considered unnecessary pampering for the kids, what is? It was common occurrence that outings were cancelled when bus drivers did not show up because they were not paid for their services."

The lack of security at the camps was also criticised as contributing to cases of rape and sexual harassment.

The NS scheme has been plagued by problems since it was implemented in February 2004, with complaints ranging from absenteeism, negligence and brawls to allegations of sexual harassment. The DAP has been leading calls for the programme to be abolished.

National Service trainees and parents: Some quotes
- "Most of the trainers were too young and have no experience. I think they need more training than us."
- "We can't get clean drinking water apart from the meal times. But there's no problem if we are willing to pay. The jagas in the camp can help us to buy mineral water. If you have money, you can buy whatever you need through them. Even cigarettes are not a problem."
- "I'm the sole breadwinner in the family. My boss has warned that he may not be able to retain me after National Service. Who will help me if I really lose my job?"
- "I encouraged my daughter to go for it. But she cannot accept life in the camp. She said some of the trainers make her feel insecure. Now I feel really bad for her. The only thing I can do is to visit her whenever possible."
- "They have learned all these things in Moral Education when they sit for SPM. Why teach them something they have already learned in school?"
- "I don't mind spending my three months there. No homework. No assignments. No tuition. Some of the girls were really cun (beautiful)! Quite a fun experience for me."
- "This is the first time I was away from home. I have become a little bit more independent than before."
- "NS promotes muhibbah ? I 'm not so sure. Quite a few fights broke out between the Malay and Chinese boys over some misunderstanding..."
- "I made some new Malay friends. The Indians like to stick together as much as possible. I don't know why."