Comment: Chin Peng’s ashes and Hitler salutes

(From right) Chin Peng signing the peace agreement in 1989; on his right is Thai Armed Forces Supreme Commander Gen Tan Sri Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and then Malaysian Home Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Wan Sidek Wan Abdul Rahman. — Filepic

ONE would have thought that the return of Chin Peng’s ashes to his homeland would have led to a sigh of relief that there is finally closure to our turbulent anti-colonial history, and perhaps some reflection leading to reconciliation for all who suffered tragically during the “troubles”. Instead, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Huzir Mohamed has said that the police are investigating the group that had reportedly brought in the remains of former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) secretary-general Chin Peng from Thailand to Malaysia.

Huzir said ongoing investigations are being carried out to determine the exact method used to bring in Chin Peng’s ashes that were then reportedly scattered in Perak. The incident is being investigated under Section 504 and 505b of the Penal Code (dealing with insults intended to provoke a breach of peace and statements likely to cause public fear), as well as Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act which deals with improper use of network facilities.