The much-criticised National Service programme for young Malaysians has come under fire again for having quietly introduced weapons training at six of the 76 camps a month ago.

When contacted, National Service Director-General Kamaruddin Mohd Baria confirmed that such training is being conducted on an experimental basis.

This development was revealed by Joseph Wang Ai Chnua, the national service co-ordinator for eight major Chinese Youth organisations (Emco), who said the move would be fully implemented in all camps next year if no problems are encountered.

"If the defence ministry can provide the required funds and ensure that all security issues are addressed, I will not oppose the training," he said.

"This can give partcipants some experience and enable them to understand the operation and theory of firearms."

However, Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan, who is a member of the parliamentary select committee on unity and national service, said she was not aware that such training has been implemented.

"As far as I know, none of the select committee members were informed of this. It was only raised as a proposal, and there was much negative feedback," she said when contacted.

"Is there a necessity for an 18-year-old youth to operate firearms?"

She pointed out that the goverment had annouced that the programme is intended to nurture patriotism among participants, to promote national unity and strengthen discipline.

"The government has always stressed that national service is not a military training programme," she said.

Quiet implementation

Fong lambasted the national service training department for the stealthy way in which it has implemented weapons training.

"I view this as a serious issue. It was implemented quietly, without even the knowledge of the parliamentary select committee."

She pledged to raise the issue when Parliament reconvenes, as well as to bring it to the attention of select committee chairperson Maximus Ongkili during a public heaing on Sept 8 in Johor Bahru. Maximus is also a Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.

"This will worry parents, particularly since the public was not consulted," Fong added.

Other committee members are Dr Tan Kee Kwong (BN), Salahuddin Ayub (PAS) and Loh Seng Kok (BN).

When contacted, Tan, who is currently in Britain, also said he was not aware that National Service cadets were being provided weapons training.

Loh and Salahudin could not be contacted, while National Service Training Council chairperson Lee Lam Thye is currently abroad.

The programme was launched officially in 2004 and recruits 85,000 youths aged 17 each year. They are divided into three batches and undergo a three-month stint.