Khairudin Lee // Creative Hub

Forget Not Our Heritage

Wednesday February 15, 2006

1942, the Second World War, 44 years ago, marked the first day of a two-year Japanese occupation in Malaya (Singapore). The British – our police-masters had surrendered. Talk to anyone who are above sixty years in age and you will hear many stories, most of them frightening and sad ones during that time. Two days earlier, 14 February, also marked another important bit from our short history. It marks the death of one of our heroes. 2nd Liutenant Adnan Saidi (al-fatihah), who fought bravely and fell along with the gallant Royal Malay Regiment defending Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill).

When the Japanese broke through the defense line, his will to fight, defend and uphold his honour, inspires not only the men around him to carry on fighting at that time, but it inspires us today. He was eventually captured but was not killed immediately; he was tortured and made to suffer a slow death. The Japanese commander was furious at how many Japanese soldiers they had lost to a mere group of local fighters and a stubborn leader to boot who just would not give up – Even with wounds from bullets, shrapnel and a broken arm. Physically, he was battered to a pulp but not and never his spirit.

From a military point of view the battle of Bukit Chandu was strategically and largely insignificant to the outcome of the war. Even though the men knew they were fighting a losing battle, it was the impeccable actions, determination and the courage of one man and its regiment that will forever be engraved into our hearts and minds. Appropriately staying true to its regimental crest motto, Ta’at Setia which means, Loyal and True – A true testament to the men who defended Bukit Chandu, to those who fought for the battle of Malaya and to all those that have fallen on these soils along the way.

Therefore, remember whom our heroes are and forget not our heritage.

// Filed under: Stimuli

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