RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysians in general are highly patriotic, but the involvement by the Indian and Chinese communities in the armed forces is “not encouraging”.

“In one parliamentary reply in 2009, it was said that Chinese and Indians made up only 0.3% and 0.9% of the armed forces, respectively.

“I urge the defence minister and the government to establish a task force to further enhance the participation of the Malaysian population, especially the Chinese and Indian communities, in the armed forces,” he said during the committee-level debate on the Supply Bill 2023 for the defence ministry today.

In September, defence minister Mohamad Hasan urged more non-Bumiputeras to join the armed forces, especially the army.

Despite various efforts, including promotions, to encourage participation from non-Bumiputera communities in the armed forces, he said, the rate remains low at about 3%.

In May, army commander Mohammad Ab Rahman said low income is one reason why non-Bumiputeras are not interested in a career in the armed forces.

Meanwhile, Rayer supported the reintroduction of the national service training programme (PLKN), saying it is a good way to foster unity among Malaysian youths.

However, he said, the revamped programme must be able to ensure the trainees’ safety, noting that previous incidents had even resulted in the death of some trainees.

Mohamad had said the revamped PLKN programme could cost Putrajaya less than RM100 million a year, as opposed to RM500 million annually previously.

The programme had been criticised by various quarters in the past and was abolished by the former Pakatan Harapan government in 2018.