Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

At Your Servicestresses on the building of tangible and intangible traits that make the character ofa good leader unflagging in patriotism, emphasising racial harmony and mouldingstrength in individuals to face challenges under all circumstances. The programmewas custom-made for 18-year-olds awaiting their exam results.In the past, most of these students would opt for other activities such as short-termemployment. Some well-to-do parents would in this time register their childrento attend short courses or send them on a vacation. But in this time, too, somefall prey to social ills and/or anti-establishment activities.NS is not a military-intensive training programme. It is not a recruitment programmefor our military in times of war. It has been designed to ensure our youth areversatile in any given environment. It has also been designed to ensure we developand imbue character in our leaders of tomorrow.It was designed to develop the future ofMalaysia through its young. PLKN has fourmodules conducted over three weekseach — physical training, nation-building,character-building and community service. Allfour modules are designed to inculcate goodcommunication skills on a variety of issues.It also helps participants to engage with people they may not have met. The NStrainees are also paid a monthly incentive for participating in the programme.The training focuses on qualities like leadership skills, working in a team anddecision-making.These are qualities often expected by prospective employers when seekingemployment. The training also focuses on physical training, a modified military drillaimed at building resilience. No doubt PLKN has received much criticism. It hashad several mishaps. We need to improve where we could have done better.86