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Patriotism cannot be hammered into the youths via a three-month stint

Aliran is appalled over the recent alleged rape case and other serious problems that have emerged from the hastily implemented National Service programme. In view of this, Aliran calls upon the government to suspend this compulsory programme and allow for a thorough reassessment and rethink.

We have witnessed many negative things that have run counter to the professed objectives of National Service. Brawls, insensitivity towards religious observance, bullying, drug problems, and sexual harassment seem to be rampant and what has transpired is a far cry from the professed aims of instilling patriotism and harmonious ethnic relations among our youths.

The present pathetic situation only lends weight to our earlier reservations about the programme: national harmony and patriotism cannot be hammered into the youths via a three-month stint of military-type training and outward bound activities. The problem of ethnic relations and lack of patriotism, if at all, is related to societal, structural and institutional factors, which need to be taken into account and tackled rationally.

In schools, for example, students "get to know" from an early age about the preferential treatment in the offering of scholarships and become terribly disillusioned and feel marginalised by the system, which is purportedly trying to inculcate good values. They realise that what is said and done does not reconcile with the ultimate objective of achieving patriotism.

This stark reality cannot in any way contribute to the effort of building a sense of belonging among our citizens when some feel deliberately "left out" in education, employment, and promotion opportunities.

The government must tackle the root causes of the national service woes rather than attempting a quick fix through a 3-month stint that brings to the fore all the negative and unhealthy aspects of Malaysian reality. It is only then can we realise the objectives of a Bangsa Malaysia based on noble values such as justice and freedom.

Aliran Executive Committee
27 April 2004

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This statement was sent to the local media including The Star and the Sun. We have stopped sending statements to the New Straits Times as they have never been carried.