JOHOR BARU: For retired soldier Mohd Zaine Md Sharif, National Day is more than an annual celebration, it is a deeply personal reminder of the sacrifices he and his comrades made to safeguard the country.
The 74-year-old former member of the 9th Royal Malay Regiment served 10 years in the military, participating in counter-insurgency operations against communists in local jungles and deployment during the Confrontation in Sabah.
One of the most memorable chapters of his service was his posting to Pulau Jambongan, during a period of concern over the Philippines’ claim on Sabah.
Mohd Zaine recalled participating in coastal patrols, including an early-morning interception of a suspected smuggling boat.
“We were on duty at about 2am when we spotted a boat. We fired warning shots into the air three times, but the situation was tense because we did not know what the people on the boat would do,” he said here yesterday.
Mohd Zaine said his military experience also took him deep into jungle areas near Bukit Kayu Hitam on the Thai border, where soldiers faced communist guerrillas who relied on ambushes, tunnels and difficult terrain to evade security forces.
He recalled a particularly dangerous encounter in Kalimantan when his unit, led by then-platoon leader Lt-Jen Datuk Seri Zaini Mohamad Said, came across a fallen tree blocking their route through a jungle.
“Zaini was crossing the fallen tree when suddenly we were ambushed by communists, with so many shots fired.
“There was heavy shooting for about half an hour and we had to call for support,” said Mohd Zaine, who was a corporal.
Mortar, artillery and air support were eventually deployed as the soldiers attempted to break out of the ambush.
He said communist fighters often used guerrilla tactics, striking suddenly before retreating into the jungle or across the border, making pursuit difficult.
He also recalled operations in Sarawak, including efforts to clear areas around Mount Serapi, where troops sometimes arrived only to find the guerrillas had fled deeper into the jungle.
“I remember one of the communist leaders shouting, calling us ‘government dogs’, before shooting at us.
“We were scared and kept thinking about our families back home. Sometimes you have no choice but to fight because we were risking our lives for our country,” he said.
The years of fighting also left painful memories, particularly when comrades were injured or killed.
“These are memories that do not simply disappear,” he said.
For Mohd Zaine, National Day is not confined to flags, parades or celebrations.
“Merdeka is in the heart, in the soul and in the body. We sacrificed and risked our lives to protect this country,” he said.
Now a father of three and grandfather of six, Mohd Zaine hopes younger Malaysians will appreciate the peace and freedom they enjoy today and remember the sacrifices of those who served before them.
