National Service in Malaysia introduced to promote national unity and racial integration.
Former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir bin Mohamad outlined several goals for Malaysia to achieve in a manifesto named "Vision 2020". One of those goals was a creation of a "Malaysian nation". The rationale for national service is to create the unity for this to be achieved.
Attendance
Attendance of national service is for those who are leaving secondary school which is equivalent to 17 years of age. Since there is insufficient facilities for all youth of this age to be drafted, the government uses a process of selection. This process is announced to be "random", however the actual process itself has not been publicised.
Once one is selected, attendance is compulsory and those who dodge national service face a fine, after which they are still required to attend.
Camps
Attendees are assigned to camps based upon a formula which is supposed to increase diversity. This diversity requirement leads to attendees from various regions of the country and ethnic backgrounds to be put together in a camp. They are then housed in groups of six to a tent.
Activities
Activities include military training. However, gun ownership is strictly prohibited in Malaysia so in practice the military training usually consists of rope climbing and foraging skills.
Community service is another activity for the trainees. Cleaning up public areas or visiting orphanages is supposed to incur a spirit of volunteerism in the attendees.
Discussion are held about Malaysian history and government with a view to create understanding among different cultures.
