1. I read bits and pieces of headlines in media in the past few weeks about Chin Peng intention of returning to his home and wish to die in his homeland. Initially, I was not to keen to say my piece about the matter but I changed my mind this morning (10/June/2009) when I saw a “propaganda program” on the Tele where Sharkawi Jirim had hosted a discussion between listeners, Tan Sri Zaini, the former CDF and Ibrahim Ali.
2. While Ibrahim Ali made political statements, Tan Sri talks about the past fight and battles. The short program was biased and was meant to present a lopsided view of the Communist and Chin Peng to the Malaysian public. As expected only those who condemned Chin Peng was allowed to air their views and I doubt anyone that has something contrary to say, would called a government TV station and express their views.
3. Personally, as a former soldier, I feel this whole issue has been taken out of context. History of PKM and their activities which started in 1930 to their agreement to lay down their weapons in 1989 has been summarized to one very short convenient negative summary. Allow me to express my views without fear or favour. I am basing my views based on historical arguments.
Communism and the Chinese
a. Like many other ideologies that is constantly appearing and disappearing in the world, the communism ideologies did not grow and flourish within the ethnic Chinese in Malaysia. It attracted many Malays as well. Unfortunately, histories tend to associated communism and the Chinese and try to bury any link to the Malays. In reality some notable Malay members of PKM includes Shamsiah Fakeh, Rashid Maidin, Pak Sako, Abdullah CD and Ahmad Boestaman. The hatred against communism has been focus against the Chinese and Chin Peng.
b. Pak Sako lived in Ulu Langat well into his late 90s. Rashid Maidin came back and visits his relatives in several parts of Perak but eventually died in Thailand at the age of 89 years old. Abdullah CD continues to lives in Thailand after signing the peace agreement in 1989. Shamsiah Fakeh returns to Malaysia in 1994 and continue to live a life of an ordinary “makcik” till her death in 2008
Communism before 1957
a. PKM was actively fighting the British and the Japanese during the 1930-1957 eras. Their goal was independent Malaya via arms struggle. In Dec 1955, the famous Baling Talks took place where Tunku Abdul Rahman, David Marshall and the PKM leaders discussed the possibility of stopping all armed struggle.
b. In that talks, Chin Peng agreed to put down arms and disband the PKM once the British leaves and leaves the governance to the locals. This was recorded in the minutes of the meeting between all the men that attended the meeting. It was also recorded in the book, Malaysia, The Making of a Nation, by Cheah Boon Kheng
c. Tunku Abdul Rahman also acknowledges the contribution of PKM in his writing . He said “Just as Indonesia was fighting a bloody battle, so were the communist of Malaya, who too fought for independence. With the difference that the communists of Malaya were not the indigenous people of this country and they were fighting to set up a communist regime which the believers in the fait of Islam [i.e. the Malays] could not support nor could those orthodox people, who believed in democracy and freedom.
d. He also said,” So the struggle for the independence of this country was carried out by the communist alone and they fought a subversive as well as a shooting war, losing many of their men and at the same time killing many of our men and the Commonwealth soldiers. The battle continued for 12 years [1948-1960] and would have gone on had the British Government not yielded to our demand for a general election as a step towards independence”
e. We must not forget that the British did not leave Malaya immediately after 1957. They were still around and assisting in Defence, policing and administration till the late 60s. This is something that PKM could not accept. They wanted the British to leave immediately. Having said that, they want to administer the country based on their ideologies which may not in line what the others wanted at that time.
f. Certainly, UMNO contributed toward Independence through negotiations. PKMM also did the same. The difference lies in approach, methods and post independence governance.
Communism after 1957
a. PKM continued their weakening armed struggle after Merdeka. In the 70’s, my late father was involved in several engagement with the communist. On one of his return trips from mission, he told me stories about men and women of PKM that was killed. He also talks about losing his buddies.
b. There is very little documentation to indicate why PKM continued their struggle after Merdeka. The excuse of independence was no longer there. May be it was because the presence of British officers in the civil service, police and the military which they despised most. I hope the right people would write about the reasons of their continued struggle between 1970 -1989.
c. In 1989, as part of the peace treaty (Truce or surrender treaty) in Haadyai, Malaysia agrees to allow the CPM members to return to Malaya and continued to join the political movement which is allowed by the law. Sadly to say, I would say that Malaysia has not lived fully to their end of the agreement whereas Thailand opens up lands and accepted them openly.
Chin Peng and The new Communism today
a. Personally, I feel Chin Peng does not want to revive PKM. He just wants to return home and die on the land that he was born. If CP really wanted to revive PKM he would have done so in Thailand. The Thai government gave them land and set up a village for them but yet their ideology has melted with time. They are not a threat to the Thai’s. If indeed, CP wants to continue spreading his ideology today, he does not have to return home to do it. He can do it remotely via the internet, Facebook, twitters and many other methods.
b. Certainly, like many people I am extremely unhappy with PKM and what they have done. I remember their activities vividly like blowing up Tugu Negara in 1975 which brought shame to the Malaysian Government. I was twelve at that time and being the son of a soldier and studying in the Army Camp in Kuantan, I felt very strongly about the bombing then.
c. It has been 20 years since they put down their arms. If we cannot find within our self to forgive a couple of old man, than something is seriously wrong with us. To deny entry to pre-senile old man on the grounds of what they have done in the past is too illogical. To deny entry on the grounds of potential threat, I would say that is akin to being scared to our own shadows.
d. If we can allow Shamsiah Fakeh and many others to return home, why do we practice double standard when it comes to Chin Peng? Is Shamsiah Fakeh is less of a communist then Chin Peng? I think the people should not be to worry about Chin Peng but should be more worried about the ideological threat that is being inculcated in our children now days.
e. We should look at the different kind of communism that is being practise now? We should question the power abuse by the government. We should question the meaning of democracy that is being practice in Malaysia. We need to ask ourselves about the independence of our police, judiciary and the government services and the politicians.
Conclusion
In 2009, the communism ideology has morphed into something different and is being practiced by many those in power. There is plenty of “Chin Peng” in Malaysia today. They are Malays, Chinese and Indian who abuse the democracy in this country and not respecting the constitution. We need to find a good reason if we do not want to allow Chin Peng to return home. The reason put forward has not been convincing.
More info
Some other materials
NK Khoo Blog
Kehidupan bozo blog
let the old man come home to die lah…
otherwise charge him under war crime tribunal
send him to jail
at least he knows he will die in this country!
kamunting pun tak pe lah!
jadi jugak impian dia!!!
Hiayah tak habis lagi cerita CP, mau balik mati pun susah just like P Ramlee said “hidup pun susah, mau mati lagi susah”!
“After 1989, CP knew communism had failed, hence …..”
Let me elaborate on this point:
By 1989, USSR had collapsed, Eastern-Bloc’s communist regimes had fallen like bowling-pins, People’s Republic of China had embarked on Deng Xiaopeng’s master-plan of “Socialist-flavored CAPITALism”, Cuba n N. Korea were struggling to feed their starving people, etc…
Anybody with common-sense could tell Communism had failed, CP was not a recalcitrant to cling onto a dead ideology, hence they abandone it n disbanded PKM, to return to normal civil life…
It was our evil Umno regime that keep on demonizing CP as a war-mongering communist monster, who could live another 100 years, to lead another Communist resurgence in Msia, what’s this? Dr. Foo-Man-Chu?
Yeah, gimme a break…….
Dr.rafick,
I really appreciate this piece of well-balanced article. What more, u r an ex-soldier n ur dad had fought the PKM face-to-face on many occasions n saw his buddies killed by PKM members, n yet u r still able to maintain such neutrality n fairness in ur comments, it goes to show u r a man of honour, my sincere salute to u… (tabik)
In those turbulent times when the Japanese invaded n conquered n ruled Malaya with terror, many patriotic youths joined PKM to fight them, as PKM was the most well-armed, viable option for them to fight the war against the Japanese atrocities on their families n relatives.
After WW2, the British returned n re-colonized Malaya, did they deserve this? It’s a shame, the British colonial army abandoned Malayans just when they needed their protections most! It was the right thing to do then that many patriotic youths joined PKM to fight the colonials, as PKM was the most well-armed, viable option for them to fight the independence war, who else did?
After 1955, why did they still fight? simply, they were rejected of their basic democratic rights to form a political party to participate in the elections, so they had to continue to fight for their ideals, at that time, it was a fight between two major ideologies, capitalism vs communism. US n Indian govmen had legalized their communist party, but what happened? did they fall into the Commies rule? so why were Tunku so terrified of letting PKM to participate in elections? (In history of Baling-Talk I read, Tunku actually wanted to agree to this request, but it was David Marshall who had sabotaged on this.)
After 1989, CP knew communism had failed, hence they agreed to disband n return to society to live a normal life again, n they signed the historical peace treaty.
I believe it was partly due to the full peace M’sia enjoyed after 1989 that had caused an influx of investors n a economic boom to Msia, we all enjoyed the peace n prosperity made possible after CP n PKM agreed to give up armed struggles on this land.
With much due credits to our army n our former leaders, we also have to be fair to CP and those youths who had shed their bloods n sacrificed their lives when they fought the Japanese aggressors, then fought off the British colonialists that helped hasten our independence, n let CP n his ex-comrades to come back to their homeland, n RIP on the land they love as much as we all do.
Is it wise for some people to insist that they should carry their hatreds from many decades ago into their graves? Why not forgive n forget the past, let CP return to perform his filial duty to visit his parents’ cemetery, n let him fulfill his wish to rest eternally in his homeland, on the ground of humanity?
There are many ways by which patriotism manifested. At that time, communism seems to be a successful way to save / bulid up many countries, i.e. Rushia, China, Vietnam. Thus, communism was adopted by many young Malayan who love their country at that time. And they had sacrify their entire lives for the sake of their country. Why didn’t they just stay at home and take care of their ownself, like most of us do now?
You are right, durianboy, all those who sacrificed so much should be offered Tunship.
Think about Maharaja Rela. Is he a hero or terrorist?
Please show proof that CP renounce communism. Do not side track this very important condition . You don’t bake the cake and eat it. Isn’t it well and easy to want to die in your bithplace but still not wanting to admit you have done wrong.
Dear AK
I am also wondering whether in the peace agreement there is a condition that people who wants to return home must renounce communism. I do not have access to the full detailed agreement but only have seen parts of it. The second youtube video in my article showed a speech by CP. I believe he mention something along the lines of Kesetiaan kepada Perlembagaa, Raja dan Negara.
Do u know where I can have access to the whole peace agreement. That would shed light on what has been agreed by the various parties.
Dear Dr Raffick,
I read your piece with interest and I must say that it was very well put and very balanced. Unlike some who were very against the return of CP, their line of thinking exposed their personal bias and emotional immaturity.
It is no secret that the Haadyai Peace Agreement allow the return of CP. In so far as my view is concerned, that is the clincher. What ever reasons the Malaysian government or those who opposed his return, is that they failed to take that into consideration; or should I say, conveniently failed to mention that.
As such I am actually very ashamed that the Malaysian government can so lightly and conveniently renege on a clause that has been agreed by itself in the first place! Now if the government can do that, what is there to convince us that this government will honour and not renege, at its whim and fancies, anything that it has agreed to at all?
It is made even worse and more dishonourable by trying to whip up anti-CP/communism to justify its decision to deny CP his wish to return to his homeland. And to further add salt to injury, threatened those who agrees that CP should be granted his wish to return.
Durianboy’ s initial comment reflects his ignorance of what is going on and his simplified mentality regarding this issue. And like the government, conveniently turned around sheepishly and change the subject, after your response.
Unless and until the government can prove otherwise, other than constant denials, it must regain respect and honour by respecting and honouring what it put its signature on. All other arguments is irrelevant and beside the point.
Dr Rafick
It is the fight on ideology and during that period the chinese schools were infiltrated with the communist cadres.
However the support were diminishing after 1975. I believe after this period more information and intellegence were forth coming from the ground that led to the successful encounters with the CT. Food supplies to CTs were very much reduced through the government’s effort in getting closer to the chinese through MCA. The government’s populace movement, food control and denial measures worked perfectly.
During that very short period the chinese were not experiencing the nonsense they are facing today. Hence a change of attitude towards the communist.
The government was strong in their propoganda and was seen as a fair government.
If the present unfairness was/were in practised during that period, I believe the support of the communist would have continued or even risen to an intolerable situation for the government.
The assassination carried out by the communist were targeted at government official and remember CPO Khoo who was killed. No innocent women and children were killed.
As an ex major you can check with you old time buddies in the army SB.
Dear Meng
From your description, it appears that KPM continued fighting after the 70s because they want to set up a communist state. The government and the people of the day did not support this. As such KPM was made illegal. There was still fighting after the 80s. It that sense KPM has actually deviated from their original goal to seek independence (in the sense of running of the country).
Their failure to put down their arms was their biggest folly and has cost them
Well there are so much talk on the atrocities committed by CP what about those atrocities presently being carried out by the government.
Who is more dangerous to our malaysian society Chin Peng or the BN government.
Are we now not living under a cruel regime , I don’t have to say much on the atrocities committed. You can find it daily in the various posting in the blogs.
For the former CDF Zaidi and those clowns…Major Lee, Datuk Muhammad Haji Abdul Ghani etc , get your facts right about about the CTs action after the british left. Were there murdering of women and children, or any nonsense of atrocities that you can think of that they have done. The attacks or murders were confined to security personnel.
Please don’t talk cook. The more you open your mouth the nonsense comes out.After the british withdrawal and the ending of the emergency, the insurgency period that followed on was seen as the most dangerous in the eyes of the armed forces and police. Yet no women and children were murdered or slaughtered.
Who is more a threat to society in this world today .. communism or Islamic militancy.
Dear Meng
I have one question. Maybe you can help me to find the answer.
Between 1957-1969, there were still Brits in our government service but they left in 1969/early 1970.
Why did the PKM continued their struggle by going against our own military personnel which is Malaysian between 1970-1989. This has deviated from their original goal. Based on my own memories, fierce battle were fought in Bentong Pahan in 1975 and 1976 where my father was involved. Fierce fight was also going on at the Malaysian Thai Border. This is a question which I cannot find the answer?
I am not sure wether the communistcontinue to kill civilians after 1957 or 1970. Maybe some history experts can help. Thanks
Minta maaf ,
Please correct the following :
” well balance “….. should read as ” well balanced ”
and
” countries wealth ” should read as ” country’s wealth “
Dr .,
I praise your very objective analysis of this topic , even
in the likelihood that some folks may cast some
uncalled questions as to your ” patriotism & loyalty ”
You have presented a well balance argument for CP’s
return to die in his homeland .
The sad and realistic issue is that he had “lost ”
that right due to CPM’s warfare , and at best ,
can only call on the same generosity and milk of
human kindness that were accorded to his Malay counterparts who were allowed to return .
It’s a tough call , but I despise the politicians who
are capitalising on this issue to gain mileage , and as
another had pointed out , to distract the bigger current
fiascos that had plundered our countries wealth .
Perhaps , these guilty folks should also be banished
and lose their M’sian citizenship .
Salam .
Durian boy,
I wonder if he is really a boy. He sounds senile or pre senile. Guess, he is under Ibrahim Ali’S syndrome, the one who is politicizing the whole issue for reasons to court UMNO and he that be allowed to reenter UMNO. What else ? He has on many occasions made known his intention of ‘please court me’ to his previous love UMNO. The greatest Katak is trying to make his biggest jump before becoming irrelevant to the society. Of course he is already irrelevant that’s why when Tuan guru Nik Aziz has challenged him to resign and fight as an independent against PAS in PASIR MAS, he chickened out. He has got no balls, just like the katak.
Going back to Durian boy’s argument, I totally disagree with him on CP and CPM. CP is an old man, without any supporters ( ex buddies ), all dead and gone and those still surviving are making good out of their balance life. Why would they want to start all over again when their own GRANDCHILDREN wouldn’t support them, who would ? I would not. Why would any reasonable thinking Malaysian do.
Keep it up drraffick. You talk sense. The govt should talk about the various scandals that has plagued the conutry because these scandals are effecting the country and thus burden the citizens with more tax behind loaded by the govt to pay off or write off the scandals.
I recalled my dad told me that the only other requirement for CPM to put down their arms is for them to legitimately form a party and to be allowed contest in election in this country.
U left one fact dr. Abdullah cd and shamsiah fakeh renounced communism before being allowed to return to msia. CP did not want to. As part of the hatyai treaty, allpkm members were asked to attend interview n renounce communism.
Why did CP did not want to? Is it his pride?
So, if u say CP is pre senile n do not want to reevive PKM, his reluctance to renounce communism even after returning to msia will ensure he has followers and supporters here.
I’m surprise u cannot see this possibility.
Ur whole article which questions the “propaganda of govt” belies on your own unanswered premise under the 2nd paragraph of ‘communism after 1957′.
Yes, why did they continue the armed struggle? Many lives were lost yet they were still persisting their cruel act of treason towards this country.
And u want CP to come back here to die? Auwww.. Why don’t we give him Tunship too?
The fact is, I wish he does come back here so that he will be tried for murders and treason n be punished for it.
The lives of my grandparents were not respected to the pkm back then. Why should I give a damn to where CP wants to die?
Dear durianboy
1. Thank you for your views.
2. Can you give me a reference that I can refer to that indicates that CP did not want to renounce communism. I am aware that he missed the application to return home dateline.
3. Do you know in many parts of the world, communist party is a registered political party but they are not popular. This includes the USA and India but they are not popular. Similarly, I do not think that Communism or CP has any significant influence here.
4. I agree with you on your comment about communism after 1957. I am still researching about this and trying to understand why they continue to fight. Do you know of any reference to this issue of continue fighting after 1957.
5. I refer to your emotional outburst of sarcastic remark where you said we should be giving CP Tunship, I believe that you have not fully appreciated the whole article. You have taken it out of context. I said if we want to deny him entry, we must find a better reasoning.
Trust the above clarifies.
Doc, thank you for sharing the facts. Great piece of article.
You’ve just revived the little bit memory left of my Sejarah subject … practically returned almost all to my history teacher … ;p
As much as I would like to empathize with CP, one has to know that we are still governed by the current unproductive leaders.
Unfortunately, CP has to be made the scape goat so that they can divert all the negative news like the recent roof collapses, PKRZ issues, decreasing growth, etc.
Doc, seriously, we need people like you to hold a powerful positions so that you can make/influence good changes for the sake of Malaysia. I know power corrupts but I am willing to bet my last dollar on you.