KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 26 -- Does anyone remember Malaysia's version of the National Service programme introduced back in 2003?

For secondary school-leavers back then, it became a dreaded thought to be chosen as a participant - think living away from the comfort of your own bed and family for three months, in mostly remote locations all over the country.

Known as Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN), the programme emulated the national service mandated in Singapore and South Korea, but for a much shorter period and less intensive.

PLKN 1.0 (2003-2015)

The Cabinet had in 2003 approved the programme version 1.0 and the Parliament approved the National Service Training Act 2003.

When it started in December 2003, it was made compulsory for ...