KUCHING: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the National Service Training Council's plan to expose National Service (NS) trainees to the use of firearms needs thorough study as the programme is not a military training.  

Dr Ongkili, who is also Chairman of the Select Committee on Unity and NS, said the plan, if implemented, might deviate from the National Service Act 2003 and objectives of the programme.  

"Although the Act does not say firearms cannot be used, it clearly states that the NS training programme is not military training.  

"We also know the programme is aimed at enhancing discipline and instilling nationalistic spirit among the trainees to produce a generation with a sense of patriotism, working spirit and solidarity," he told reporters after chairing a public hearing of the select committee.  

Yesterday, Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin said the NS Training Council planned to expose the trainees to the use of firearms in one of the training modules next year.

Among the aims is to encourage youths to join the national defence industry.  

Dr Ongkili said the current physical training module was to enhance fitness and did not involve the use of firearms.  

"Unless if the government wants to change the NS training programme to be like the ones being carried out in Singapore, Thailand and South Korea.  

"The objectives of our programme are significantly different from theirs.  

"This matter has not been discussed at the (Special Cabinet) Committee level but I believe members of the committee are not keen on the proposal," he added.