Lest We Forget - Era Darurat 1948-1960, 1968-1989 & Ancaman Komunis Pasca 1989

2 DEC 1989 WAS HAATYAI ACCORD – THE MALAYAN COMMUNIST PARTY LAID DOWN THEIR ARMS
By: SAGER AHMAD


It has been 23 years since the Haatyai accord was signed on the 23 Dec 1989 ending the ‘second emergency’ by the outlawed Malayan Communist Party against the Malaysian Government and people. (the first emergency was between 1948 and 1960).

That event should be commemorated, as the country was held at ransom, development was put on hold, as vital fund were redirected to fight the communist menace. Many widows and orphans were ‘made’ as a result of the bloody struggle. Many more were injured and maimed by booby traps and ambush.

The accord was signed between Malaysia and the MCP while Thailand mediated at the Lee Gardens Hotel. The MCP laid down their arms but did not surrender, which means they could take up arms again.

With new recruits, better training and strong backing from China and weapons from Vietnam the MCM launched new insurgency with the ambush of our security forces near Keron-Bentung at the Malaysia-Thai boider and killed 17 soldiers. That was on 17 June 1968, to mark the 20th anniversary of their armed struggle against Malaysia.
This event marked the start of the second armed revolt of the MCP that lasted for 21 years, 5 months, 2 weeks and 1 day.

During the struggle high price were paid by our security forces. Among the prominent leaders killed were the inspector general of police, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Hashim, who was shot dead in Kuala Lumpur on 7 June 1974. On 13 November 1975, Perak CPO Tan Sri Khoo Chong Kong was shot dead in Ipoh. Both by communist terrorists.

On 26 April 1976 a Royal Malaysian Air Force Nuri helicopter was shot down using a rocket by communist terrorist while coming in to land at the Gubir camp near the Malaysia-Thai border, killing 11 on board.

The general public had to endure hardship like curfew between dusk and down daily in places like Baling in Kedah and Bentung in Pahang.

Family members of the security force (both military and police) had to forgo the presence of their husband and fathers for months on end while they were out in the jungles chasing after communist terrorist.

The success in giving the MCP hell by our security forces and making them finally see the light on the futility of their struggle that resulted in their readiness to lay down their arms should be commemorated.

The surviving veterans and their family members should be feted to a feast, their welfare take care of by our country leaders at the national, state and district levels.

Road shows, exhibitions and public lectures should be held to remind the public, especially the younger generation that peace and prosperity comes with a price. Lest we forget.