Aliran Media Statement
National Service: Putting the Cart before the Horse
Aliran welcomes the government�s recent retraction of the provision in the National Service Training law that criminalizes criticism of the legislation. This change came about after a chorus of protests from civil society groups; such retraction is in keeping with democratic tradition that upholds criticism and dissent.
That said, we are still concerned that the bill was eventually passed by Parliament despite reservations among the public about the government�s rationale for introducing national service and other aspects such as the curriculum content, religious considerations, and physical safety.
Public outcry could have been averted or anxiety appeased had the government in the first place consulted in all seriousness and sincerity various stakeholders in society. Legislation like this, which has far-reaching political, financial and social implications requires a healthy debate and serious deliberations from all parties concerned - not just students, who are the potential recruits.
For meaningful debate to take place, a steady flow of adequate information � not in dribs and drabs as dished out by the Defence Ministry � is essential to generate well-informed, objective and meaningful public discussion.
What is equally worrying is that citizens are generally not given the public space to air their grievances through the mainstream media to allow for various views to emerge and flourish. It should be pointed out the mainstream media, by and large, only highlighted views that supported the national service scheme.
The Defence Minister's assurance that public feedback would still be welcomed after the enactment is like putting the cart before the horse. The feedback should have been sought before the law was enacted.
It is unacceptable that the government tolerates public commentaries only on the implementation of a policy, but not to assist the formulation of the very policy itself. Such an attitude on the part of the government is downright patronising as it implies that the public does not have the capacity to think, let alone the right to reflect.
Tokenism of this nature doesn�t contribute to the government�s purported desire to build a society that is caring and intellectually robust, especially in the wake of globalisation. If anything, it mocks the government itself.
Aliran Executive Committee
This statement was sent to the local media including The Star, New Straits Times, and The Sun.
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