He said the programme, a brainchild of Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his first tenure as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, was “not a complete failure”.

“We will look at it seriously, especially the curriculum, as we want it to emphasise on the young generation and instil unity,” he said.

Speaking at a group interview with the media at his ministry today, he said it was his personal view that the programme should continue.

He said the youth had shown their patriotism by voting in the May 9 election.

“The young who work overseas also came back to vote. They want the future of the country to be better.”

He noted however that the majority of youth who attended the NS programme were Malays.

“We want the Chinese, Indians and natives from Sabah and Sarawak to join in the programme,” he said.

He added that the ministry might look to Japan for methods to instil discipline and patriotism in citizens.