SUNGAI PETANI: The act of bringing back the ashes of former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) leader Chin Peng has been deemed as an insult to veterans who had served with the armed forces.
Sani Osman, president of the Malaysian Veteran Commandos Club (KVKM), said the government must take stern action against those involved in the issue, including the mastermind behind the scheme.
“Previously in 2013, there were efforts to bring in Chin Peng’s ashes into Malaysia. But after our protests, the plans never materialised.
“That is why we were stunned to learn that the ashes of this traitor were brought into the country.
“Even more regrettable was that the ashes were brought in on Sept 16, when the country was commemorating Malaysia Day,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Present were representatives of seven other army veterans’ associations, including Persatuan Veteran 19 RMD (Mech), Persatuan Veteran 9 RMD and Persatuan Kebajikan Veteran 9 Rejimen Renjer Diraja.
Also in attendance were representatives of Persatuan Kebajikan Pesara Polis Tentera Wilayah Utara, Persatuan Veteran 17 RMD PARA, Persatuan Veteran Tidak Berpecen Darat, Udara dan Laut, and Persatuan Veteran Rejimen Semboyan Diraja Zon Utara.
Sani said while some did not attach much importance to the ashes, he said there was a greater significance involved as many lives were affected during the CPM’s reign of terror.
“What has happened is regrettable. This issue has hurt the feelings of many of us, especially veterans who were injured and families of veterans who lost their loved ones during the communist insurgency.”
Sani said the episode had shown that the country’s borders were not adequately protected, which led to Chin Peng’s ashes being successfully brought in from Thailand.
He hoped that the government would take swift action to address the issue for the sake of the nation’s sovereignty.
“We view this protest seriously. We are speaking not on the basis of politics, but based on our pride as army veterans. Do not challenge us.
“We want the government to be stern, quick and brave in tackling this issue.
“We don’t need an apology. What we need is the full report of the investigation as soon as possible.
“Failure to do so will see us bringing the matter to the royal institution,” he said.