PEKAN, MALAYSIA: Mejar Dr Faiz Khaleed has been appointed icon for the National Service (NS) programme.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who made the announcement yesterday, said that Dr Faiz would be able to enhance the image of the programme as well as highlight its benefits to youngsters.

The election fever too has caught on with Dr Faiz. In his acknowledgement speech, he thanked the Government for choosing him as the 'candidate' for the programme.

Everyone at the event including Najib roared with laughter.

Dr Faiz, in NS uniform, immediately apologised and said that he was honoured to be the icon.

"I pledge to give my utmost commitment to help the trainees get maximum benefits from the programme which is aimed at character building," he said yesterday.

Among those present were Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, NS council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and department director-general Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil.

In his speech, Najib said Dr Faiz was chosen as the icon as he had gone through extraordinary experiences, especially the tough training to become an astronaut.

"The icon will be a role model for the trainees as well as the younger generation", he said.