Forget not their deeds

FIFTY years ago, on Aug 11, 1966, peace was declared after the war Indonesia waged on Malaysia ended. That war, which started when President Sukarno of Indonesia warned that he would “Ganyang Malaysia” (Crush Malaysia) at the “crow of the chicken” on the day Malaysia was formed, is known as Konfrontasi (Confrontation). It is also known as the “Undeclared War”.

Ignoring the threat, the Federation of Malaysia comprising Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak was declared on Sept 16, 1963.

Indonesia with its armed troops of 300,000 did launch the attacks in a low intensity warfare, starting with the killing of about 14 Ibans along the Kalimantan/Sarawak border a few days after the declaration of Malaysia.

The British Special Forces were brought in and managed to track and eliminate many of the Indonesian perpetrators within about a week.

The armed forces of the newly-formed nation of Malaysia was no match to Indonesia’s might. If Indonesia really launched all-out attacks on Malaysia, the result could be disastrous. With that scenario in mind, military assistance was sought from Britain to defend Malaysia.

The warfare waged by Indonesia was of a low intensity but it nevertheless caused concern and worried the populace, especially after Indonesian troops infiltrated the territories of Sarawak and Sabah.

Troops were also parachuted into Malaya. In one incident, Indonesian Kor Komando Operasi (KKO) Paratrooper Lt Soetikno was captured in Pekan Nenas, Johor.

Malaysia at its infancy had to expand its army, navy and air force to cope with this unexpected war by its neighbour.

Meanwhile, Britain, with its post-war military might vastly reduced, had to introduce National Service to beef up its army to meet Malaysia’s needs. Through National Service, boys just leaving school were inducted into the army against their wishes. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were also deployed to Malaysia.

The Undeclared War inflicted considerable casualties on both sides with soldiers killed or maimed. British forces also suffered losses, and the civilian population was not spared either.

It is ironic that while Malaysians celebrate the Merdeka Day anniversary, and Sarawak and Sabah their independence day, we tend to forget this war that took so many lives and inflicted injuries in order to realise the new nation of Malaysia.

What patriotism are we talking about now? What mentality do Malaysians possess? It is difficult to understand the attitude of the Government and the politicians on both divides sometimes.

It is not too much to say that Malaysians are an ungrateful lot in not knowing what their fathers and grandfathers did in the past so that they could enjoy their lives today.

What are we inculcating in our younger generation?

Are the sacrifices of the security forces comprising the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Civilian Machineries and the Commonwealth Forces not worthy of at least being remembered?

The family members of those who were killed or wounded in that war are now forgotten, as are their children whose future then were ignored in the defence of the new country and its independence.

Bless the Almighty that both nations, Indonesia and Malaysia, are now enjoying the best of relationships.

Malaysians, learn to remember and respect the people who made this nation what it is today.

Lest we forget, we are reaping the harvest of their toils!

DATUK A. M. AHMAD TEJUDDIN

Kuala Lumpur