Latest news with #AbdulAzizZainal
The Star
25-06-2025
- General
- The Star
MLKN: Negative perception of National Service must be changed
PEKAN: Efforts must be made to counter the negative perception of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN), and parents have a role to play in promoting their children's involvement, said Jeneral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Zainal. The National Service Training Council (MLKN) chairman said those who join the programme would benefit in many ways, particularly in shaping a strong personal identity. In addition, he said the programme offers added value to trainees as it includes basic military training while assuring parents that their children's welfare would be well taken care of throughout the 45-day period. 'All their needs are taken care of throughout the programme, with RM3,150 allocated per trainee, not including travel expenses. I hope parents will help raise awareness and encourage their children. PLKN seeks to guide them in the right direction. 'Those who do not want to join may still be affected by past stigma. Forget the past; the current programme brings benefits and has been improved for the better,' he said at a press conference after the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 Passing-Out Parade yesterday, Bernama reported. Abdul Aziz said more than RM400mil had been allocated to make the programme a success, including improvements to camp facilities to ensure a more comfortable training environment for the trainees. A total of 257 male trainees completed the training, which began on May 11 at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here, with Bartholomew Thierry Timothy from Papar, Sabah, named the best trainee. For Timothy, 18, being away from his family for 45 days proved worthwhile when he was selected as the best trainee, adding that PLKN had instilled discipline and punctuality in him. The third of four siblings, who will pursue a foundation in science at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), said the nationalism module and basic military training had contributed to building his identity as a quality Malaysian with a more positive outlook. 'It's an honour to be chosen as the best trainee. In the beginning, I had trouble adjusting, especially with punctuality, but I've improved and become a more confident person,' he said. Zarimi Isa, 50, a former soldier and father of trainee Muhammad Hakim, 20, said parents should not hesitate to send their children for the programme, which he described as highly beneficial. 'Don't listen to the negative comments about PLKN. It's a good programme for the younger generation, and with the training lasting just 45 days, I think it's still relevant,' said the father of five.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
Efforts Must Be Made To Change Public Perception Of PLKN
PEKAN, June 24 (Bernama) -- Efforts must be made to counter the negative perception of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN), and parents have a role to play in promoting their children's involvement, said National Service Training Council (MLKN) chairman General (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Zainal. He said that those who joined the programme would benefit in many ways, particularly in helping them shape a strong personal identity. In addition, Abdul Aziz said the programme offered added value to trainees, as it included basic military training, while assuring parents that their children's welfare would be well taken care of throughout the 45-day period. 'All their needs were taken care of throughout the programme, with RM3,150 allocated per trainee, not including travel expenses. I hope parents will help raise awareness and encourage their children. PLKN seeks to guide them in the right direction. 'Those who do not want to join may still be affected by past stigma. Forget the past; the current programme brings benefits and has been improved for the better,' he said at a press conference after the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 Passing-Out Parade here today. A total of 257 male trainees completed the training, which began on May 11 at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here, with Bartholomew Thierry Timothy from Papar, Sabah, named the best trainee. Abdul Aziz further said more than RM400 million had been allocated to make the programme a success, including improvements to camp facilities to ensure a more comfortable training environment for the trainees. For Bartholomew Thierry, 18, being away from his family for 45 days proved worthwhile when he was selected as the best trainee, adding that PLKN had instilled discipline and punctuality in him. The third of four siblings who will pursue a foundation in science at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), said the nationalism module and basic military training had contributed to building his identity as a quality Malaysian with a more positive outlook.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ex-Armed Forces chief Abdul Aziz to chair PLKN 3.0 council
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Armed Forces chief General (Rtd) Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal will chair the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) council, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The Defence Minister announced the appointment Monday (May 5) during the pre-launch of the PLKN 3.0, which saw the formation of the 10-member council. The appointment was consented to by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and took effect on April 14, Khaled added. The PLKN 3.0 council also includes five ministry secretaries-general: Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali (Defence), Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hashim (Education), Datuk Dr Aneese Ibrahim (Higher Education), Datuk Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu (Youth and Sports), and Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff (Women, Family and Community Development). ALSO READ: Here's how to check if you were selected for National Service online Three representatives from major ethnic groups were also appointed: Malaysian Youth Council president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid, Malaysian Youth Council deputy permanent chairman Soon Honn Keong, and Universiti Sains Malaysia Professor of Sociology Dr Sivamurugan Pandian. Datuk Shahminah AG Sahari, the Internal Affairs and Research secretary with the Chief Minister's Department, was named to represent Sabah. Khaled said all the appointments were made under Section 7 of the National Service Training Act 2003. ALSO READ: National Service: Second series to begin May 11 at two Territorial Army camps 'This appointment is not merely a recognition of the members' capabilities and experience, but also a great trust that must be carried out with dedication and integrity. 'This line-up is a strong combination representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. 'This is essential to ensure every decision is made inclusively and reflects our society's diversity,' he said at Defence Ministry headquarters here. Khaled stressed that the council members must keep in mind the complex realities of today's challenges, which demand wisdom and discernment. ALSO READ: First batch of trainees completes stint with flying colours He said the council must continuously take proactive measures not just to improve the training modules but also to reinforce public confidence in the importance of the PLKN to the country. 'While not every citizen may be 100% patriotic or willing to make sacrifices for the nation, we must earnestly pursue interventions to instil these values. 'That said, there are still segments of society who hold strong patriotic sentiments and love for the country. 'The ministry and the government are determined to ensure that each generation will have individuals who understand their role, responsibilities and value to the nation,' he said.
