It took the government only one year to impose mandatory arms training for National Service (NS) trainees.

Throughout that time, the government and those behind the NS have consistently tried to convince us that training young Malaysians to shoot M-16 assault rifles is in line with the programme's objectives to instil patriotism; promote racial harmony and integration; and to build character by inculcating noble values (see www.khidmatnegara.gov.my).

Despite promises that Malaysia's NS training was not meant to provide military training to build up a reserve unit the way the NS service does in Singapore, Thailand and South Korea, some comments would suggest the contrary.

Additionally, assertions have been made to convince Malaysians that this is the right way to go since it will make the younger generation more robust, patriotic, disciplined and courageous.

Here is a sampling of some of the arguments:

>> "Their (the NS trainees') age is also suitable for them to join the Territorial Army later, if they are interested, where they will also be trained to use the M-16." Among the aims of the training is to encourage youths to join the national defence sector. (Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin, June 15 and 16, 2005 news reports)

>> "I would say this is a once in a lifetime experience. How many people will get a chance to have a feel of it (shooting an M-16)?" (National Service Training Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, June 6, 2006 report)

>> The objectives of the training are to instil discipline, boost trainees' self-confidence and make them appreciate the role of the armed forces. (National Service director-general Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid, June 7, 2006 report)

As I've argued before in this column on Sept 9 and 23 last year, the government needs to show a clear link between arms training and increasing patriotism, courage and discipline.

Where's the evidence to suggest that learning how to shoot is actually going to make young Malaysians better understand how they can contribute meaningfully in a democracy? How does it make them more open to dialogue to resolve conflicts and more respectful of the differences that make Malaysia what it is?

How did appreciating the role the armed forces plays become paramount in inculcating patriotism?

And courage, by the way, doesn't come from holding a gun and knowing how to shoot. Courage comes from standing up for what is right and just in the face of adversity, without a gun.

One wonders as well how trainees, who will be asked to handle the guns for only 10 minutes, will learn greater discipline from doing so. Are we to believe, as Abdul Halim argues, that discipline can be enhanced through a 10-minute exercise?

These half-baked arguments aside, here's another promise about the M-16 training that is being broken. When it was first introduced in a pilot project a year ago, Malaysians were told that youths who were uncomfortable with handling arms or not interested in doing so, would not be forced to.

The government has since announced it would be mandatory for all trainees, beginning with the next session later this month, unless exempted for medical reasons.

Indeed, even Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili has objected to the M-16 rifle training, saying in June last year that it might deviate from the National Service Act 2003 and the programme's objectives.

When the pilot project for M-16 training began in September last year, NS Training Department deputy director-general Omar Abdul Rahman said alarm was unnecessary because it was "only on trial".

Looks like the "trial" was just a way to get a wedge in through the door. And Malaysians did indeed have reason to be alarmed, more so if initial protests are put aside by flimsy arguments and promises that are not going to be kept.

*****

To the countless people who called in, SMSed and e-mailed their support for the "Open Letter to the PM" in my previous column, thank you. I am privileged to be a journalist and to write for a newspaper like theSun.

Malays, Chinese and Indians have responded warmly which says we can be united as Malaysians and are not as polarised as we think we are.

More tellingly has been the numerous concerns expressed about whether I will be arrested or will lose my job.

The climate of fear that exists for expressing legitimate concerns does not bode well for our democracy.

While there seems to be greater openness for issues to be discussed, the truth is our laws remain unchanged. And anyone of us who speaks out could still get arrested, and newspapers can still be shut down.

I live and work for the day when all Malaysians can exercise our democratic rights without the constant fear of repercussions.

Jacqueline Ann Surin believes that you cannot be neutral on a moving train. She is an assistant news editor at theSun. Send comments to feedback@thesundaily.com