Getting to know and appreciate nation’s military history

IN January 1941, knowing that war was coming to Malaya, the Sultan of Selangor, Almarhum Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah, exhorted his people to ‘“Take an active part with all our heart in helping to preserve our liberty”.

On Feb 15, 1942 at 1715 hours, Lit-Gen Arthur Percival, the British Army Commander of Malaya, met the Japanese generals to discuss surrender. This was officially signed at 1810 hours.

A day before this, Lt Adnan Saidi and his men had fought valiantly to defend their military post. They were part of the young Malay Regiment, volunteer corps and auxiliary units.

Many battles were fought during the 70-day campaign over Malaya and Singapore, including at Kota Baru, Jitra, Kampar, Slim River, Muar and Bukit Chandu.

There were air raids as well and also the sinking of the battleships, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse.

Eighty years is a long time, hence it is not surprising that the younger generation do not talk much about World War Two. But knowledge about military history would help us to understand the physical and mental aspects of combat as well as leadership, bravery and even the meaning of betrayal. Our minds could also be trained to imagine the fear and ugliness of war.

As such, there should be more efforts to commemorate the invasion and fall of Malaya, and these should be supported not just by the government but also the public.

Such efforts would be in tandem with the spirit of the Defence White Paper (DWP), which embodies the government’s aspirations in strengthening national defence and patriotism among the people.

AHMAD TAJUDDIN MOHD SAID

Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security

Kuala Lumpur