Don’t take our unity for granted, says Salehuddin

Few good men: At the age of 22, Salehuddin (inset, left) who was still a Lieutenant had already been trusted to carry out top secret missions.

HE was only 22, but Lt Salehuddin Abd Muttalib spent almost 10 sleepless night with three reformed Communists for an attack that would cripple the insurgents who were fighting against Malaysians in Sarawak.

“A thorough preparation was needed to make ‘Ops Teliti’ a success. I had to first win the hearts and minds of the three before they would listen to me,” said Salehuddin.

He spent 10 nights with the three, preparing and rehearsing for the attack against the North Kalimantan Communist Party (Paraku) which was fighting the formation of Malaysia.

Then, on the 10th day, they successfully killed Paraku Combat Unit 330 leader Commander Fam Tze Heong and his wife Hooi Yinn after waiting for four days to lure the couple into his trap.

“I was using an automatic rifle, and I only had 20 rounds. With only one pull of the trigger, I ran out of ammo.

“I hit Fam with my unloaded rifle, twisted his neck and slashed both of them with my parang,” said Salehuddin, adding that an AK47 and a Sten Gun, bullets, cash and gold bars were among the items seized.

The killing of Fam and his wife crippled Paraku.

Salehuddin was awarded the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) medal and went on to become Military Intelligence Officer Major.

Recalling his early days as a young officer, Salehuddin said camaraderie among his fellow soldiers was important.

“It was the unity among all soldiers and officers from all races that contributed greatly to our success in our fight against the Communists,” he said.

Salehuddin’s leadership and bravery was tested earlier when he was freshly commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.

His squadron from 1st Recce Regiment was tasked with maintaining public order around Kuala Lumpur during the May 13, 1969 tra­gedy.

“Our convoy was stopped on Jalan Cochrane by a group of rioters who were armed with sticks, spears and stones. Roads leading towards Kuala Lumpur were blocked by buses that were set on fire.”

As a rifle troop leader, Salehuddin was ordered to talk to the leader. Upon knowing that they were a multiracial regiment, the rioters let them pass.

He also recalled helping a Chinese family stuck in Chow Kit Road.

“I saw the couple with their son behind what is now Pertama Complex. They were in fear, so I asked them where they lived and I drove them to their house in Kampung Air Panas, Setapak in our Land Rover, escorted by an armoured car.

“The same tragedy could happen again if we do not work on strengthening our unity,” said Salehuddin.

“We cannot take our unity for granted.”