Latest news with #MalayanEmergency
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MACVA pushes for war memoirs to enter school curriculum
KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysians remain unaware that the country has endured three wars — and that the sacrifices of its army veterans during these conflicts have been largely omitted from history books and overlooked in the national narrative. "Very little has been documented about these turbulent chapters of our history, especially the undeclared wars that plagued the country in its early years. Most of the books and articles that exist were written from foreign perspectives," said Captain (Rtd) Dato' Lee Kwang Lock of the Royal Malaysian Navy. "Our historians and academics — even those from our own universities — are often unaware of the stories and details of these wars," he lamented. "So we took it upon ourselves to collect stories from our veterans, to create awareness." Despite their pivotal role in safeguarding the nation during the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation and the Communist Insurgency, many of these veterans have faded from public memory. Their sacrifices helped lay the foundation for the peace and stability Malaysia enjoys today — yet their contributions are rarely acknowledged, and remain largely absent from school curricula. As a result, younger generations grow up with little understanding of the price paid for the freedom they now take for granted. In an effort to preserve these forgotten stories, the Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association (MACVA) has published Memoirs: Malaya and Borneo at War, launched yesterday. The paperback compiles first-hand accounts from Malaysian veterans, offering a rare glimpse into the personal struggles, courage and camaraderie that defined their wartime experiences. Lee emphasised that the book is more than just a historical record. "It stands as a tribute to the thousands of soldiers and police officers who defended the sovereignty of our nation," he said. MACVA hopes the book will reach a wider audience — particularly secondary school and university students, who they believe must be taught the realities of Malaysia's wartime history and the sacrifices that shaped the nation. "We had planned to approach the Ministry of Education to give away copies of our book because the younger generation must be aware," said MACVA president Lt Col (Rtd) Wong Ah Jit. "But there have been hurdles in getting it approved and accepted into the school system." MACVA's latest publication follows its first book, Memoirs of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans, launched in March 2020. With each release, the association hopes to fill the historical gaps left in mainstream narratives — and to spark greater public awareness of Malaysia's military past. There is a growing urgency to ensure that the sacrifices of these veterans are formally recognised. Wong stressed that their stories should not be confined to memoirs alone, but woven into the national education system — so that future generations truly understand the price of peace.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Nanta proposes Dataran Bujang Berani in Kapit to honour Dayak community
KUCHING: An iconic square named Dataran Bujang Berani is being proposed in Kapit, in the central interior of Sarawak, as a tribute to the significant contributions of the Dayak community in the aspects of national security and development. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the square is proposed to be built near the historic Fort Silvia to serve as a landmark with the potential to become a symbol to commemorate 100 years of peace in Kapit and the struggle of the Dayak community. 'The Kapit division is one in the interior regions and a part where the Dayak community once contributed to the development of Malaysia that we have today,' he said in a statement from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) during the launch of the book 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)' here today. He said the proposal to build the square is not only aimed at commemorating the historic peace event but also as a recognition of the Dayak community who have long contributed to defending the country, including before the establishment of Malaysia. 'Before the formation of Malaysia, they (Dayak people) had already fought for the security of Malaya during the Malayan Emergency as Sarawak Rangers and also as Malaysian Rangers,' he said. Nanta said Dataran Bujang Berani has the potential to be established as a historical reference centre and a symbol of unity for future generations. With regard to the launch of 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)', he said, the book represents an important document that compiles historical information, papers, speeches, and a collection of photographs related to the peacekeeping events among various Dayak sub-ethnic groups in Kapit 100 years ago. 'This book does not only immortalise the historic moments that occurred between the communities in Sarawak and the Indonesian border areas, but also serves as a valuable reference for future generations to understand the foundation of the harmony built today,' he added.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Nanta proposes Dataran Bujang Berani to honour Dayak in Kapit
KUCHING: An iconic square named Dataran Bujang Berani is being proposed in Kapit, in the central interior of Sarawak, as a tribute to the significant contributions of the Dayak community in the aspects of national security and development. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the square is proposed to be built near the historic Fort Silvia to serve as a landmark with the potential to become a symbol to commemorate 100 years of peace in Kapit and the struggle of the Dayak community. 'The Kapit division is one in the interior regions and a part where the Dayak community once contributed to the development of Malaysia that we have today,' he said in a statement from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) during the launch of the book 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)' here today. He said the proposal to build the square is not only aimed at commemorating the historic peace event but also as a recognition of the Dayak community who have long contributed to defending the country, including before the establishment of Malaysia. 'Before the formation of Malaysia, they (Dayak people) had already fought for the security of Malaya during the Malayan Emergency as Sarawak Rangers and also as Malaysian Rangers,' he said. Nanta said Dataran Bujang Berani has the potential to be established as a historical reference centre and a symbol of unity for future generations. With regard to the launch of 'Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)', he said, the book represents an important document that compiles historical information, papers, speeches, and a collection of photographs related to the peacekeeping events among various Dayak sub-ethnic groups in Kapit 100 years ago. 'This book does not only immortalise the historic moments that occurred between the communities in Sarawak and the Indonesian border areas, but also serves as a valuable reference for future generations to understand the foundation of the harmony built today,' he added.
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Honouring unsung heroes: 22 in Mukah receive PJPN medals for service during national crises
Muhamad Rizal (fifth right) in a group photo with the medal recipients and representatives during the ceremony. MUKAH (May 17): A total of 22 individuals comprising 14 retired police personnel and eight next-of-kin of deceased officers ― were honoured with the 'Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara' (PJPN) medals in a ceremony held without full formalities at the Mukah District Police Headquarters (IPD Mukah) Recreation Hall recently. Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the award symbolises the nation's gratitude to those who risked their lives during critical periods in Malaysia's history. 'The PJPN award is a recognition of the courage and sacrifice shown by our personnel during the Emergency and Insurgency eras. 'It is important that we continue to honour the contributions of these heroes — whether they are still with us or represented by their families — for their unwavering service in defending the nation from communist threats,' he said when contacted yesterday. The PJPN is awarded by the government to police officers who served during the Malayan Emergency, the Second Emergency, and other related security operations. It reflects the government's deep appreciation for their commitment and sacrifices in preserving Malaysia's peace and sovereignty. Also present at the ceremony were department heads, station chiefs, senior and junior police officers, as well as members of the Police Family Association (Perkep). award lead medals Mukah Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara PJPN retired police
The Star
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Raja Muda visits S'gor unity initiative in Gombak
At Muzium Orang Asli, Tengku Amir Shah is briefed by former curator Ahmad Jiwa about the role of the Senoi Praaq (the Orang Asli elite counter-insurgency unit) during the Malayan Emergency. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star THE inaugural Gagasan Rumpun Selangor (GRS), a community-and-unity event by Selangor government, concluded with a royal visit to Gombak. Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah visited the two-day programme in the district that wrapped up the initiative. The visit involved engagement with local communities and exploration of the district's cultural and tourism spots, rich heritage and vibrant local life. Selangor rural development, unity and consumers committee chairman Datuk Rizam Ismail said Tengku Amir Shah wanted to gain a better understanding of the cultural, heritage and attractions in each district. 'From visiting villages to towns, stalls to rice fields, from the land to the sea, riding boats to riding Vespas, all of these became beautiful memories for all of us. 'I am confident that all levels of society have been touched by this programme – from children and youths to the elderly, from local leaders to village entrepreneurs, various ethnic communities and not forgetting the Orang Asli and persons with disabilities. 'All citizens share the 'Kita Selangor' (We are Selangor) spirit, which drives the unity and prosperity of the state,' he said. Rizam said Tengku Amir Shah's perspectives on the programme would be captured in a coffeetable book, where his memories and experiences would be documented and shared. GRS is an initiative aimed at strengthening unity and promoting cultural diversity among local communities. Launched in late 2023, the programme was allocated RM4.5mil in the 2024 budget to be implemented across all nine districts of Selangor. Key activities include unity carnivals, cultural tours, community sports, handicraft exhibitions, visits to tourism sites, as well as health and entrepreneurship programmes.
