TAMPUN – Notwithstanding the current economic climate, the annual allocation for national service will not be reduced, according to Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad. He said the federal government allocates RM700 million for the programme annually.
“We spend RM46 a day for each trainee inclusive of accomodation, food and for preparation of the modules of the NS programme which is a long term investment for the nation. This investment is to ensure integration among the races to multi-racialharmony in the long term,” he was reported to have said, after officiating Tambun Umno’s annual delegates meeting here.
Dr Abdul Latif was in response to a statement made by Umno Youth head, Khairy Jamaluddin Mohd Nor, who had asked the government to reduce the programme’s allocation before asking the people to accept subsidy cuts.
Jimmy Tan
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