On... (Ahmad Harizal)

I disagree.

I disagree with what had been done to Ahmad Harizal. For an introduction, I am one of many that was eligible to be chosen (by the computer) for the first National Service, that is for 2003. I was, and still not enthuastic about the National Service (from hereon referred to as "NS"). "They" said that it is necessary for national intergration and harmony. It seems to me that "they" had not been on the field, in their constituency. Also known as the real world.

Being eligible to be chosen for the first batch, me and my friends are enthuastic about it at first, as we have heard that this will be a military service. As reality approaches (with SPM), we found out that the length of the service is short, there will be no military training whatsoever (visiting a Navy ship and unarmed combat is not military training). I believe that it would have been better if they are trained in skills (electronic, carpentry, secretaryship) during training, they will, for once, really have an edge over others. Do potential employers look at the NS card? It seems (and it's true) that they are paid RM 300 for three months having fun, engaging in brawls while at the same time taxpayers money are being spent.

But Ahmad Harizal couldn't afford that. He have a family to support. Three months in camp versus three months working, which is more rewarding for him? Does defending the nation means anything for him if his local representative did nothing for him? Yet "they" are the ones that claimed glory, basking in the media limelight in the aftermath of this issue. Soon Ahmad Harizal will be forgotten. I'll remind myself to drop by at his place next time I'm in Perlis (as I've been to Perlis twice).

"They" said 'justice knows no social status' (keadilan tidak mengenal kaya atau miskin). The irony as this applies only for the poor. I do not understand the Attorney-General's decision to prosecute Ahmad Harizal first as there are many big fishes swimming out there. Perhaps for the simple reason that his name is on top of the alphabetical list. I sincerely hope that the future will be brighter for Ahmad Harizal, and not being martyrialised by certain groups, including "them".

I'm going to join Askar Wataniah in uni later, God willing.

P/S: Remind self to write petition to Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to make available souvenirs of Perlis. I went back empty handed. Not even t-shirts or keychains! No souvenirs are sold!

EDIT: Logically, can someone who quit school in Form 2 can think of the consequences for breaking the law? Does he know that it is mandatory? Can he draft a letter asking for exemption? Was he represented by a lawyer at the proceedings?