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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
The schoolteacher who helped build a multiracial army
IN the sweltering heat of July 1952, a young schoolteacher from Batu Pahat, Johor, folded away his lesson plans, turned in his chalks and made a choice that would alter the course of his life — and etch his name into Malaysia's military history. Peter Ng Boon Hwa was just 21 when he came across a newspaper advertisement calling for officer cadets. It wasn't just any recruitment notice — it was a quiet turning point in the making of a multiracial army. The Federation Regiment Bill had just passed on July 3, opening the door for non-Malay youths — for the first time — to serve in defence of a still-forming nation. Two years earlier, Peter had tried to enlist, but options were few: the Malay Regiment or the British Army. Neither path was suitable for someone like him. Now, in the flicker of an ad, that barrier was gone. And he could step up to answer the call of duty. It wasn't a decision made lightly. In Chinese families, cultural warnings loomed large: good sons don't join the army... for they may return in a wooden box. But Peter chose to go anyway. He left the safety of the classroom for the unknown of the parade ground, trading books for boots, guided not by rebellion, but by a quiet sense of duty and the hope of something larger — the birth of a nation. After a rigorous selection at the Malay Regiment headquarters in Port Dickson, Peter was eventually among the 12 young men handpicked by General Sir Gerald Templer, the British high commissioner of Malaya, to serve as an officer in the new regiment. They would become the founding pioneers of what was to be Malaysia's multiracial armed force — a group history would come to know as the "Templer Superb-12". On Aug 13, 1952, the officer cadets were personally welcomed by Templer at The King's House in Kuala Lumpur. From Port Dickson's 5th Mile Coast Road to Eaton Hall in Cheshire, England, their journey began in earnest. After basic training in the Pre-Officer Cadet Training Unit (Pre-OCTU) in Port Dickson, Peter was sent to England for further training. On Sept 5, 1953, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and posted to the 1st Federation Regiment. His tall and commanding presence earned him a rare honour — appointment as aide-de-camp (ADC) to Lt-Gen Sir Harold Briggs, commander of the Federation Division. He served with distinction before returning to active duty as a troop commander in his regiment. In the mid-1950s, the Emergency was raging. On May 25, 1956, Peter was selected for a jungle warfare course at the elite Far East Land Forces Training Centre. He would later bring these battlefield skills to real-life conflict zones and beyond Malaysia's borders. In 1960, he completed his Company Commander's Course and was promoted to major in the 2nd Royal Cavalry Regiment, commanding a recce squadron. A year later, he was deployed to Belgian Congo as part of the Malayan Peacekeeping Force, which was tasked with restoring law and order during one of Africa's most volatile civil conflicts. Yet, even amid the chaos of war in the country, Peter remained a soldier of spirit and adventure. In true "soldier of fortune" fashion, he fulfilled his boyhood dream of going on a safari and returning home with two massive elephant tusks that would later be mounted at his regimental headquarters as a symbol of valour and morale. By the late 1960s, Malaysia faced renewed communist threats. After completing his Senior Officers' Course at the Army War College in Mhow, India in 1967, Peter was transferred to the Royal Rangers Regiment as the second-in-command. He would serve on the frontlines during the second Emergency (1968-1989), once again defending his homeland in the dense jungles of Malaysia. His leadership extended beyond national borders. One of his career highlights was training south Vietnamese troops in counter-guerilla warfare at the request of the United States army to resist the communist advances during the Vietnam War. It was a mission shaped by the global urgency of the Cold War and the "Domino Theory" propounded by then president Dwight D. Eisenhower. Peter rose to the occasion with quiet resolve and duty. LIFE OF SACRIFICE In June 1980, after decades of service, Peter was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and appointed commanding officer of the 304 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army). His task was to secure the newly constructed East-West Highway linking Grik in Perak to Jeli in Kelantan. Stationed on a hilltop overlooking Pulau Banding and its bridge, he led with vigilance and calm assurance. I had the honour of visiting him in April 1981 — his camp, maintained by my army engineers, stood as a testament to his enduring commitment to service. Though Peter retired on Aug 26, 1983, after 31 years of distinguished service, his influence never waned. Known affectionately as "Peter Boon" by his peers, he was admired for his humility, warmth and unwavering principles. As a senior major for 20 years, he was more than just a rank — he was a moral compass, a decision-maker and a true officer of the nation. I came to know him during my years at the Taiping Garrison, between 1978 and 1980, while overseeing the construction of 288 Class G married quarters. Peter was the administrator then — a commanding figure who led not with noise or display, but with quiet authority, warmth and unwavering fairness. His presence was steady. His kindness unspoken, but deeply felt. For his decades of distinguished service to king and country, he was awarded the Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN) — a fitting honour for a man who gave so much, and asked for so little. On March 1, 2020, Peter passed away peacefully at the age of 89 in Penang General Hospital, on what was poignantly the 87th anniversary of Army Day. He leaves behind five children — three sons and two daughters — and 12 grandchildren, a number that echoes the symbolic "12" of the Templer Superb-12, to which he proudly belonged. Of that founding cohort, only two remain today: Lt-Gen Datuk Abdullah Samsuddin, 95, and Lt-Col Khong Kim Kong, 94. Their numbers may dwindle, but their legacy stands — etched in barracks and battlefields, in classrooms and parade grounds, and in the quiet courage of men like Peter. As Malaysia marks Hari Pahlawan on July 31, we remember not just a soldier, but a pioneer. A patriot. An officer and a gentleman. We salute you, Sir.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Investiture ceremony marks Penang Governor's first official event
The investiture ceremony for the 84th birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib officially begins on Saturday (July 26). This is Ramli's first investiture ceremony since taking office as the ninth Penang Governor. Ramli arrived at Dewan Sri Pinang at around 8.45 a.m., accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah. The ceremony commenced with the national and state anthems. Ramli then inspected the guard of honour, mounted by the Second Battalion of the Malay Regiment, comprising three officers and 103 soldiers led by Major Mohammad Firdaus Zulkifli, alongside a 17-gun salute. The ceremony began at about 9.30 a.m. This year, 1,530 individuals will receive state awards, medals, and honours. A total of 150 individuals will be awarded state honours, while 1,380 will receive the Stars and Medals of Honour in recognition of their service and contribution. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz heads the list, receiving the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN), which carries the Datuk Seri title. A total of 280 recipients will receive their state awards, Stars, and Medals of Honour on Saturday (July 26). The ceremony begins on Saturday (July 26) and will resume on Monday to Wednesday next week.
Free Malaysia Today
03-07-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
New book celebrates 90 years of the valiant Royal Malay Regiment
Men of the 1st Experimental Company Malay Regiment, with Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel G.M Bruce on March 3 1937. (Creative Commons pic) KUALA LUMPUR : It started with a simple question in the 1930s. The British colonial government, concerned about the security of their territory in Malaya, wondered: 'Were the Malays capable of forming an effective modern fighting force?' An experiment was proposed. In 1933, a group of 25 Malay recruits were assigned to train with British officers in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan as part of the 1st Experimental Company. They would later form the Malay Regiment. This valiant group of dedicated men surpassed all the expectations of their superiors, and rose to become the country's most iconic Malaysian military unit. Known today as the Royal Malay Regiment, this intrepid fighting force has served the country in many of its most turbulent periods, including the first Malayan Emergency (1948-1960); the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation (1962-1966); the 2nd Malaysian Insurgency (1968-1989); and the Sarawak Communist Insurgency (1962-1990). This year marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Malay Regiment, and a new book has been published to mark this milestone. 'The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of the Malay Regiment' is a comprehensive account of the origins of this military unit, and details the bravery, loyalty and sacrifices of its men. Author Stuart Lloyd at a book signing. (Stuart Lloyd pic) Author Stuart Lloyd said his latest work is not a 'war book' but one about human stories. 'All my books are about the human spirit. About the people, good or bad, at the heart of the stories. I don't like talking so much about statistics, or numbers of troops in a battle. I prefer writing whether this person was crapping his pants as the enemies descended,' Lloyd told FMT Lifestyle with a laugh. Lloyd, a sixth-generation Southern African, was born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) before emigrating to South Africa, then Australia. He has lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand for nearly 25 years. The author has conducted special-interest military history tours through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and has written 21 non-fiction books which have topped best-seller charts in three countries. 'The Malay Experiment', Lloyd's fifth military history book, is a slim, 94-page book that will intrigue and captivate both military enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Published by CatMatDog Storytelling, it features a foreword by Brigadier General Mohamed Arshad Raji (Retired), a distinguished member of the Regiment. The cover of 'The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of the Malay Regiment'. (CatMatDog Storytelling pic) The book's pages are populated with colourful personalities. The Malay Regiment's commanding officer, Captain George McIllree Stanton Bruce, almost feels like a character from a Hollywood blockbuster: a rugged World War hero with a jagged scar on his face. Bruce, however, proves adept at winning over his recruits: not only does he speak Malay, he also designs the regiment's iconic insignia, uniform and 'Taat dan setia' (faithful and true) motto. 'There could have been a clash of cultures. But ultimately, the story resolves itself through cultural sensitivity, which I think led to the eventual success of the regiment,' said Lloyd. 'Their uniform was localised, integrating part of the sarong, and colours significant to the Malays. These really showed the recruits this was something they could call their own, that their unit was not just a British transplant.' One of the most relatable parts of the book are details of Bruce's successful methods of attracting early recruits: 'Good soldiers need good food,' he (Bruce) reflected. 'I think more recruits were obtained by the words 'Makan ada baik' (our food is good) than by 'Ta'at setia''. Other fascinating characters making appearances are Raja Lope, the adopted son of a Sultan who rises from private to brigadier, and Lt Adnan Saidi, who valiantly sacrificed his life fighting Japanese invaders at the battle of Pasir Panjang. The crest of the Malay Regiment. ( pic) The book's engaging narrative takes readers from the fall of Singapore to the climactic battle of Bukit Chandu and the glorious parades of Merdeka. It's clear that the story of the Malay Regiment is not over yet: it will be interesting to see how it continues to serve the nation into the future. Lloyd said the story of the Malay Regiment developed in parallel with the story of Malaysia, with both the country and military unit growing in strength and confidence over the years. 'I think the Malay Regiment is a success story Malaysians can all take pride in. I will make the point that they outperformed many British and Australian regiments in Singapore at the time,' the author concluded. 'It's a moving account of how a culture, previously untested in warfare, managed to stand up and show the world what they could do.' 'The Malay Experiment' is available at selected bookstores nationwide. Also visit Stuart Lloyd's website.
CNA
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Brothers in Arms - Honouring the WW2 Battalions of the Malay Regiment
In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Stuart Lloyd, author of 'The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of the Malay Regiment'. Lloyd will talk about how the book tells the extraordinary story of a small experimental unit of Malay soldiers who became a proud professional regiment — with its defining moment being the Battle for Singapore in February 1942. He'll also explain how the book commemorates the bravery of men like Lieutenant Adnan Saidi, who held back Japanese forces in one of the most dramatic moments in Singapore's wartime history.
Malay Mail
16-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
The ‘cikgu' who never stood in front of a classroom — Zuraini Md Ali
MAY 16 — Each year on May 16, Teacher's Day is marked by heartfelt celebrations — flowers, cards, and touching tributes to honour educators. But for me, it's not just about those in schools or lecture halls. It's also about someone once called cikgu, though he never stood at a blackboard or wore formal attire. That someone was my father — a former Malay Regiment soldier with a dream of becoming a teacher. I remember it clearly. During a trip back to our hometown, my father and I were at the market when a neatly dressed man, about his age, greeted him warmly. 'Cikgu Ali! Lama tak jumpa... apa khabar?' They hugged and laughed like old friends. I stood by, confused — my father was never a teacher. He had worked as a soldier, then as a driver and transporter of plantation workers. On the way home, I asked, 'Abah, kenapa kawan abah panggil abah 'cikgu'?' He was quiet for a moment. Then, staring out the window, he began to tell a story that changed how I understood what it means to teach. Growing up in a poor village in Teluk Intan during the pre-independence years, my father had few resources but a deep love for learning. His friends often came over after school, and he would patiently guide them through lessons. They began calling him cikgu — not for any title he held, but for the way he taught with sincerity. Each year on May 16, Teacher's Day is marked by heartfelt celebrations — flowers, cards, and touching tributes to honour educators. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin He once dreamed of studying at Sultan Idris Teachers' Training College (SITC) in Tanjung Malim — a prestigious institution that produced many Malay educators and thinkers. He passed Standard Six and was offered a place. But as the only surviving son among seven siblings, financial hardship forced him to choose duty over dreams. He joined the army to support his family. Yet, the name cikgu stayed with him. His friends never forgot the one who helped them when they were close to giving up. One of them — the man at the market — did go on to SITC and became a headmaster. But he still called my father his first teacher. I was deeply moved by his story. Suddenly, I understood why my father was so insistent about education. Though he never stepped into a teacher training college, he instilled in us the values of a true educator — discipline, sincerity, and a love for knowledge. Five of his eight children went to university. Three decades ago, when I became a lecturer, even though I wasn't a schoolteacher, he was proud. I once found an old school essay of mine that he had kept, in which I wrote: 'Being a lecturer suits a woman. I can also give my services to the public through education.' It's been ten years since he passed. But every time I pass through Tanjung Malim, I think of him — of his unrealised dream and the legacy he left behind. To me, Teacher's Day isn't only for those in classrooms. It's for anyone who brings light to others' lives, with or without a title. I'm reminded of a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): 'The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.' (Hadith reported by al-Tabarani in al-Mu'jam al-Awsat) My father may never have held a certificate or faced a class, but he taught through kindness, sacrifice, and wisdom. That, to me, is the essence of being an educator. Happy Teacher's Day to all who teach, guide, and uplift — especially those like my father, Cikgu Ali, remembered not for titles, but for the lives they touched. May Allah grant him a place in paradise among the righteous. * Zuraini Md Ali is an Associate Professor at the Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
