Good Response To National Service
By Jahanara Javad and Azka Madihah

Bandar Seri Begawan - Some members of the public have responded well to the government's announcement it has approved the establishment of the National Service and to carry it out as soon as the country is ready.

"Oh my God!" was the initial response of a 14-year-old boy who refused to be named. But moments afterward, he said, "that would be good". Interviewed by The Brunei Times in the capital yesterday, he said "I will want to join because then I can help the country should it go to war." His friend, who was also 14, also supported the idea because "I want to be a police officer in the future, so I will be benefit from any training (from the National Service programme)."

Addressing the last day of the National Youth Congress here on Thursday, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud said that in discussions, the suggestion for the country to have a National Service programme "has been approved and Insya Allah if we are ready we'll do it as soon as possible".

"That is a good plan," said Sheila, an 18-year-old student from Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College. "But I am not sure if my brothers would want to go and do it." She did not explain the reasons why her brothers might not wish to join. "It'd be good because to be honest there are not many activities available for youths in Brunei to do at the moment."

Noranisah Ariza is a 17-year-old student at Maktab Duli, majoring in accounting. Along with her school friends, Zinah, Fairuz, Ain and several others, she expressed her support for National Service. "That would be a useful alternative to the norm of hanging out with friends," she said. "Actually, it would also help those who are interested in challenges."

"May be it would also help boost people's interests in serving the country as soldiers or other related' services," Noranisah said.

Mohammad Zulhilmi, a 16-year-old student from Sayyidina Othman Secondary School, said youths like him would benefit from the National Service especially since many of them were unemployed. "This would open up alternative solutions," he said.

Ak Nazmi Hazwan is 13 and a student at the Sayyidina Hassan Secondary School. "I am not interested," he said. "I just want to play my video games." Hazwan's friend, 14-year-old Ahmad Hamizan, interjected and said there were a lot of advantages to be had from the National Service.

Jamaluddin, a father of two who worked for the air force, said the National Service would be a great idea for the youths in Brunei. "That will help discipline our young people because nowadays they simply do not have discipline," he said.

A mother, Salamah Sanna, said she did not agree with the plan. The civil servant, 50, said she would be worried if her children must report for National Service.

"Besides, what is the purpose? Brunei is a peaceful country, isn't it?" -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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