KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- A simulation of the general election process is among the improvements made to the nationhood module of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, the simulation, with the cooperation of the Election Commission, would be entered into the module at 79 PLKN camps nationwide next year with 14 camps picked as pioneers this year.

"It is hoped the simulation will give an understanding to the trainees on the importance of their involvement in the general election process and democracy practiced in the country," he said after launching the selection of the 10/2013 series of the PLKN, here, today.

Also present were National Service Training Department Director-General Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil, National Service Council Chairman Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi said all trainees involved in the module would act as candidates and supporters to form a mini government and allowed to put up posters when campaigning.

"We will give them logos to represent selected parties and the election process will take only three days," he said, adding that the participation of all trainees was compulsory.

Meanwhile, Zahid said water activities in the PLKN physical module would be introduced involving the building of self-confidence in water, flotation exercise and basic rescue.

"As such, all water exercises will be conducted in swimming pools. The requirement for swimming pools will be entered in the contract next year," he said.

On the selection of PLKN trainees in January 2013, Zahid said from the 513,527 youths born in 1995, 140,000 (26.95 per cent) had been picked to join the PLKN 10/2013 series. "The government still retains the 55 per cent male and 45 per cent female policy. The breakdown according to race is Malay (60 per cent), Chinese (28 per cent), Indian (10 per cent) and others (two per cent)," he added.