When the National Service was first mooted, many of us shared the same notion that it would be something modelled after Singapore's National Service where youths are trained with the highest degree of patriotism, honesty, discipline and a service beyond self attitude.

When our very own NS commenced about two years ago, to date, we seem to hear so many negative comments about the programme. Some of which are really sickening - trainees are being molested and raped, careless security causing trainees to drown, death caused by food poisoning, etc. As such, which parent would not be worried when their young children are selected for NS?

It is no more a privilege to be selected for NS. Rather, it seems more like being selected for some uncertain suffering. And with all the above negative reports, the most astonishing response from the Barisan government is complete silence.

To me, the whole NS scheme is just a scam to enrich someone's pocket with all the expensive purchases of uniforms and catering facilities for the food (which is of really poor quality).

Let me remind our authorities that NS will never enhance national unity or patriotism. That it will is a short-sighted view and only an excuse to strip the nation's coffers. To ensure a lasting and effective national unity, the government needs to ensure its policies are fair and not lop-sided in favour of one community.