PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Gan shows reporters his book at the launch. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The present three-month duration for National Service Training is sufficient, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad said yesterday.
“For the time being, we will not extend the
training period because of such factors as financial constraint but changes could be made in future,” he told reporters after launching the book “The Malaysian National Service Experience” written by former trainee Gan Jing Ye here.
He said that a longer period of training suggested by some people could effect the study plans of some young people and disrupt the work programme of others.
Asked on the action taken against people who failed to turn up for training without valid reasons, Ismail said they would face action under the National Service Training Act 2003.
“None of the trainees who failed to turn up have been jailed thus far because the government has always given them a chance to provide valid reasons and submit a letter to postpone their training if they wish to further their studies,” he said.
Meanwhile Gan, 21, said he hoped the 250-page book would change the mindset of certain people who felt that the programme was
not beneficial. — Bernama