One more NS trainee death.
DAP says suspend or scrap this programme.
Health Minister Liow says that operating procedures for health matters regarding national service trainees will be reviewed, according to the online Star.
Many parents have e-mailed me to say this ‘killer’ government programme must stop.
Can it be stopped? And if it cannot be stopped, can it nonetheless be avoided?
I’ve been in contact with my friend, Malik Imtiaz, who has very kindly agreed to speak at a forum bearing the same title as this post. This is in the pipeline.
Meanwhile the ‘no nonsense’ e-group has been set up. Could I please trouble you to e-mail me again at thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com if you would like to be involved in this effort.
May 10, 2008 at 11:57 am
Dear Haris,
I am very proud of you and your civil, tolerant, broad-minded and Malaysia-embracing attitude.
I wish there were more people like yourself in Malaysia.
I just read a blog by an author called Pasquale, which is among the blogs highlighted on the blogroll of Ahiruddin Atan’s (Rocky’s Bru) blogsite. It is the anti-thesis of you: racially divisive instead of cohesive, intolerant and bigoted.
It is sad to know that there are people of that nature in the blogosphere.
Mr Malaysia,
I am very proud of the many anak Bangsa Malaysia who are slowly but surely finding their voice and the courage to speak up and to begin the process of reclaiming this country for the generations to come.
May 10, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I was just talking to my wife and children about this latest completely waste of a young Malaysian’s life. She died for no reason, save for some silly excuses for the powerful and corrupted people in high places to earn a few hundred million more of our money.
My son, who was one of the very unfortunate one selected for the programme last year, barely came out alive if not for the grace of God. He suffered a very severe form of allergy from some plants or insects he came into contact with. Being out there in the middle of nowhere (Tasik Cini) without any proper medically qualified personnel and facility, he nearly died. When we saw him we were utterly shocked at his horrific condition and immediately took him to a private hospital nearby. Thankfully, the worst of the allergic reactions had past. We are thankful to this day that God heard our prayers and brought him back safely home to us.
And now we are faced with this awful wait and watch for our 2nd daughter who is due for the ‘death sentence’ call next year. What is really bad for us is that she is highly sensitive and allergic to many things. We have decided to send her away if we are not able to avert this.
May 10, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Another life has been snuffed out for nothing. Another example of ‘Mati Katak’ (dying in vain). How many more deaths will it take before the cursed Badawi regime scraps the National Service. Already we hear of a NS Camp under quarantine due to a mystery illness.
To the macho NS graduates who are heaping praises about the program, just count yourself lucky that you are not part of the statistics. To parents who praise the NS for making their kids disciplined, you ought to be ashamed of yourselves as parents because you have all failed as parents when you need the state to teach your kids discipline. To those who say it is Fate or Takdir when death comes a calling, you are wrong because the NS is a flawed program. I bet some of these kids would be with us today if not for the NS.
To Lee Lam Thye, be a man and say to the world that the NS is a failure. If you don’t have the guts at least quit. To the Badawi regime, especially Najib, God will judge you for all the deaths!
May 10, 2008 at 2:01 pm
NS = national shame……….a national tragedy which must be scrapped immediately.
May 10, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I am a father of 2. I find myself in cross road and praying for my son not been called NS. I am in fear of lossing my son if he was to call for NS after heard abt another DEATH trainee.
It is definetely needs to halt the NS programme for the good of our children. I believe most of the parents now were no confident of the safety in NS programme. As for the the NS programme has become a Hell programme instead. How can you proceed a programme that so far been having death after death ? Don;t tell rakyat it is just 15 cases (don’t worry be happy)…. at my point of view …. it should be NONE, there is no excuse at all Mr Najip. I will not send my son to hell (that for sure to any dad and mom).
May 10, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Haris
What the Minister is proposing is mere “paperwork”. Nothing conducive that can actually help the trainees, or provide a higher standard of health-related meaasures. He’s saying that the trainees would be required to give a more in-depth report on their health conditions. Quite frankly, I don’t see the point.
This ‘no-nonsense’ e-group you’re talking about sparks my interest. Would be emailing you for more details.
Cheers
Michelle
May 10, 2008 at 3:20 pm
The Malaysian NS programme was set up by the UMNO-led BN government for 2 purposes alone:
Firstly, it is another means to employ loads of UMNOputras into the (armed) civil service at the taxpayers expence.
Secondly, it is another method to chanel public funds into crony BN organisations.
May 10, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I just don’t see the significance of this bloody national service. Is it actually “National service”? Who are we kidding. So many deaths and has anyone accepted responsbility so far? No! So? Misterious death? Sudden death? What the hell is going on? We have the guts to stand up against water canons, tear gases, ISA, Sedition Act, etc but we’re still remaining all quiet about these innocent children dying an unjustified death caused by negligence, ignorance and arrogance of some people! Is that all what life is worth or is it just an attitude of ” i feel for this family but thank god it ain’t mine”?
Haris, let’s try to do something about this. Please count me in on this one. My mail is already in your inbox.
cheers
May 10, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Folks, NS is another profit making or rather money skimming activity of the gomen. If no NS where got money. If you ask around, alot of people will tell you who and who directly benefits from NS. We must demand that NS be scrap. Otherwise they must guarantee to us that each and every innocent children they drafted in NS must be alive and kicking after the program. The Minister must be held fully responsible for any death.
May 10, 2008 at 7:07 pm
wong,
frankly, i am not interested whether this NS program is being managed by UMNO or not. lets go beyond politics. We are talking about lifes here, young and healthy malaysians sent to their early death. I have posted so many times that this killer program be stopped.
no, chairman lee insists that it is to go on for national integration. let me say this, chairman lee, integration starts at a young formative age and not when they are 18. its only an excuse and for other reasons best known to you in supporting this killer program. By your support, you are equally gulity, chairman lee, for sending these kids to die.
May 10, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Since the beginning of last year, many people have been expressing their concerns about the high fatalities related to participation in the NS programme. Many have called for it to be suspended or review.
However, those who are responsible for the implementation of this programme would not listen. Now they must be be held morally and even legally accountable for their negligence for the recent deaths.
In order to help those who want to review the press reports and letters which have been written about this ill-conceived NS programme, I have put them up at the following:
http://stopNSprogramme.blogspot.com
May 10, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I am very much disappointed with the words of NS Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kecil.
Today’s NST reported his silly thoughts: “It is our policy that the NS camps go on. What we are doing now is to rectify the problem. The training programme will not be scrapped, just because of one or two deaths”
His response as if it’s okay for them to have one or two deaths every time during the NS training and he doesn’t have any sense of responsibility over the carelessness and inefficiency practiced in NS camps.
“just because of one or two deaths”… I wonder if the DG is having a verbal diarrhea, with his mouth overtaking his brain, uttering words even before they can be processed for release.
May 10, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Pak Haris, should you start a rakyat petition to stop the NS, I will definitely sign it.
The comment by the Minister, “Just one or two deaths” is appalling. Enough of this shit!
May 10, 2008 at 11:44 pm
NS = “NO-SENSE”
Stop this NS NOW!
With claims that ALL ISSUES HAVE BEEN IRONED OUT, this NONSENSE (NS) has yet taken another live! This time it is Too Hui Min, a 7-As SPM student who had a bright future ahead of her.
How can entrust the lives of our children to people who do not care, who cry crocodile tears and tell us that everything is ok and fine and whose heart is not really with the children.
I do not intend to send my children to this NON-SENSE. If I go to jail for this - let me be the first to do it because we love our children.
I have said more than enough here, it has been poorly planned from DAY ONE!
I will speak my mind to stop this
KV
May 11, 2008 at 9:06 am
at least, the Too family aint letting her daughter die for nothing. they are suing the NS fellas and I wish the suit can be extended to the individuals, including the dim witted DG ( who commented one or two deaths wont stop the NS program) and the chairman lee (who must be held personally responsible in view of his position). I know its only a wish but at least I let them know life is precious and that one death is already too many.
My condolences to the Too family.
May 11, 2008 at 1:28 pm
People with children should just vote against BN. Everyone has children..and I am sure they do not want to see them die. Parents must vote against BN for unnecessary deaths in NS.
And may we hope the new govt will get rid of this NS program that BN govt hopes will instill patriotism..blah blah blah in three months,.. what they can’t do in the child’s entire school life.
This program is nothing more than money making scheme for the uniforms suppliers, food suppliers etc..and check who are behind all these. I can bet my last dollar that all this point to a few well connected people. So do you really think the govt of AAB or BN cares if another one dies?
And to MCA..maybe it is time to talk. Not wait until you lose the election and start talking.
May 11, 2008 at 4:24 pm
puvanan
you are disappointed with the dim witted DG. gosh, hear out the DPM as reported by themalaysianinsider. literally, he is placing the blame at the doors of the parents. let me regurgitate what was said by the DPM here:-
“there were (presumably those that died) among the trainess who have been ill prior to the participation and the ailment worsen while at the camp….”
“we cant authenticate the declaration that the trainees do not have health problems.”
“the program has been properly organised for the past years”.
Read the above and you will see what I meant about parents having to shoulder the blame. and the DPM goes on to say that the program will continue while they look at a solution to a pre-screen of the trainees health which means more fatalities in the days to come. pray hard you wont have to suffer the same agony as the 20 bereaved families.
oh by the way, if you follow the logic of the dim witted DG, one or two more deaths aint gonna make a difference, and the program will go on. life is cheap coz its somebody’s else.
May 11, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Food for thought Says:
May 10, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Pak Haris, should you start a rakyat petition to stop the NS, I will definitely sign it.
The comment by the Minister, “Just one or two deaths” is appalling. Enough of this shit!
Haris, I’m with this. I think you should start a petition and see how many thousands of signatures you can collect. Then maybe another walk to send the petition to the relevant authority. We really have to show these people that we are against this.
BTW, if I refuse to allow my child to attend this programme, can I be the one to go to jail instead of my child?
May 12, 2008 at 1:00 am
NS is stained with blood.
Wash hands, still see & smell blood.
NS is for nations preparing for Wars.
NS is a stupid idea to begin with.
Just scrap it.
May 12, 2008 at 9:51 am
Our no-combat-training National Service is only 46 times less murderous than the Iraq War.
Also with two posters on NS death sentence.
May 12, 2008 at 9:55 am
In a statement published in malaysianinsider.com, the DPM is quoted as saying “Currently, trainees are only required to show a written declaration indicating they do not have health problems. We are unable to determine the authenticity of the declaration”.
It is really disappointing that our DPM choose to blame the parents for the death of NS trainees. Don’t know what to say, don’t say anything - just stop it! It is also disappointing that Lee Lam Thye as Chairman has gone into hiding and have yet to make any statement (not that it means anything). Dare not say anything, don’t, just STOP the NS!
If schools cannot manage social integration after a kid spends about 11 years there, how can a 3-month, poorly planned, terribly operated program make any true changes?
If any social and cultural integration were to happen, it should start with the politicians - stop all the racists talks and really, truly work towards building a socially integrated Malaysia.
STOP THE NATIONAL SERVICE (aka NO-SENSE) NOW!
http://here-n-there.blogspot.com
May 12, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Like I said, I ain’t letting my (other 2 children) go through this NonSense - I’d just rather send them away overseas (Singapore, Australia etc) never to return to Malaysia. I nearly lost my son last year, and I am in no mood to allow my girls to go through this; especially so since my 2nd daughter has a severe form of atopic eczema.
The blood of the innocent children is now soaked in the DPM’s hands not his keris as he promised. Do I see any Mongolian blood too?
May 12, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hi Harris,
Just back from my sojourn into wilderness. Been catching up on some news. I have been quite an opponent in many forums on NS and I am glad someone has picked up the gauntlet to scrape NS which in my opinion was badly thought out ideas and are ill prepared for this form of program. Lest the deaths and incompetent trainers at respective sites have contributed to the unnecessary deaths so far.
Of course I am looking into the future where my kids would also be subjected to it. To me if the camp is well managed by professionals I think I would have no qualms in having my kids build up some discipline but not in its current state whereby the only stories I heard are real horror stories and even newspaper reports on death confirmed my fears. I would definitely not subject my kids (in the most myopic of views) to such uncertainties and treatment while on the broader side, I think parents have every right to agree or disagree for their kids to be sent to NS camp. It should be on a voluntary basis rather than compulsion.
And if after years of NS they still could not rid off the oops here and there… they should just scrape it and lest there be more uncessary deaths to the nation’s future generation.
May 12, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Further to add, YH, why is the DPM so “involved” in NS? Wasnt he the “brainchild” behind it? I really wonder how much he has gained from the implementation of this NS from uniforms to catering…
Altantunya aside, his hands are even stained with innocent blood of the youths that perished without cause and I have yet to see any of the wardens or co-ordinators jailed for causing the deaths.
I will not only sign the petition. I will be part of the movement to call for the abolishment of NS.
May 13, 2008 at 9:59 am
[...] For more information, go to Zorro, and People’s Parliament. [...]
May 13, 2008 at 3:04 pm
In the Star today, Lee Lam Thye unashamedly and callously pronounced that this NonSense is a great success! Do these people really care about human lives at all?
May 16, 2008 at 2:51 am
Their greed knows no boundary; if you give them this world, they will ask for the stars and moon, still no satisfying those greedy pigs! What can we do?
1. Forum to educate? highlight? - fine. Pls invite parents of those who have lost their lives to tell their side of the story. Also invite those kids who were molested/raped or bullied in any other way, that is if they are willing to come forward.
2. Demand to suspend this program pending a full investigation into all the deaths. We are only getting half truths from LLT and the other guy. Parents, please support this. It can happen to anyone’s child, don’t be selfish and wait for others to do it for you. Be proactive and participate!
3. Demand a report by independent auditors on how the rakyat’s money was spent (wasted!) vs. the outcome/impact of this program (we know there’s none lah!). Don’t bullshit and say everyone’s happy, that is not the end point if the objective is racial integration!
4. Ultimately, the NS should be scrapped!!! If we do the above 1-3, it will lead to this conclusion. We know very well that if the education system, including scholarship allocation, is fixed properly, there will be a better chance of achieving a Bangsa Malaysia. Pls put the money to better use to support school activities for all races. It’s also better to recruit the school leavers to do community service - help out at orphanages, old folks home, homes for disabled, hospitals etc (1)without leaving their home (2)get work experience (3)improve their social/people’s skill rather than sending them to a government agency that is only interested to make money out of them.
May 18, 2008 at 1:44 am
one joker suggests that a monument should be erected in honour of our fallen ns trainees. they are the true national heroes who died in forced service to the nation during peace times. and this idea is NOT A JOKE.
after all no amount of complaints and reports and compilations and statistics will stir anyone or anything except a fit of rage by civil society against those who will never be bothered by truth and reality.