Khaled said every proposal must be supported by in-depth study, and stressed that there is also a need for clearly outlined programme modules and objectives.

“It also needs views and input from experts. We cannot merely propose a solution without basis or detailed study,” he told FMT.

He was responding to a proposal by academic Anuar Ahmad of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who said a three-month “junior” PLKN programme would help student character development.

Anuar said the programme would help “polish” their potential, build a sense of mutual respect, and instil a passion for success.

“Student misconduct due to family poverty (can be addressed by) government aid. But for misconduct due to lack of discipline – fighting teachers, violating school rules and so on – it would be good for the government to establish a junior National Service camp,” he said in a Facebook post.

He said students should be barred from using social media, but could take their classes as usual, throughout the programme.

PLKN 3.0 is a government initiative to nurture a young generation that is balanced in physical, mental, social and patriotic values.

The three training programmes this year serve as a trial phase before the full implementation begins in 2026.