KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to question the existence of the Biro Tata Negara (BTN) or National Civics Bureau but some adjustments are necessary.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin also felt that the BTN issue was being "overly politicised" by many quarters.

"We shouldn't politicise the issue, and for those seeking an end to BTN, it's just not reasonable," said Khairy at the parliament lobby today.

"It's a government effort to instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the people, and (it) has a role to help in the development of Malaysia."

But Khairy was quick to add that "some changes" were necessary for the 40-year-old programme to reflect the current climate.

"Like any other government programme, BTN needs to be revamped or upgraded from time to time so that it reflects what the prime minister is advocating."

The Rembau member of parliament suggested that more modules should be added into the BTN programme to echo Datuk Seri Najib Razak's 1Malaysia campaign.

Khairy, however, defended BTN on the charge that its programmes contained "racist" elements.

"Some of the BTN programmes may be too ethno-centric or nationalistic but it's not entirely racist in nature.

"As many as those who have attended the programmes have criticised BTN, there are many who are fine with it. So it really depends on the sensitivities of the individual," he added.

BTN has come under attack recently after several former participants told the media that the programme contained "racist jibes".

Among the critics include former BTN director Datuk Johari Abdul, who is now a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) member of parliament for Sungai Petani.

Johari alleged that the BTN co-ordinators were picked based on the level of "ultra-Malayness" and their willingness to talk about Ketuanan Melayu ("Malay supremacy").

"Although, there were no specific instructions given, it was an open secret for the course to glorify certain Malay leaders," said Johari, who was a director from 1986 to 1990.

Another Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has also criticised the programmes, alleging that they had been used to "batter" him. The Gua Musang MP suggested that the BTN should be closed down and the money be used for scholarships instead.