LETTER: With the passing of Major-General (Rtd) Datuk Mahmood Sulaiman recently, the armed forces remembers a warrior who bravely led successful operations against terrorists during the early days of the formation of Malaysia.
When the nation celebrated Malaysia Day recently, there was a feeling of nostalgia for the return of the good old days of racial and religious harmony.
These sentiments were expressed through corporate advertisements and short films that portrayed a slice of the past, showing our love and tolerance for other races living alongside us, which was the premise on which Malaysia was conceptualised by our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
It was a bold move. With Indonesia and the Philippines opposing this collaboration because they had their own agenda for expansion, the formation of Malaysia faced monumental military challenges.
Numerous attempts were made at destabilising the new nation, and one of the main factors that kept us safe was the strength of our armed forces.
We have heard and read of many heroes who sacrificed their lives fighting terrorists so that the rakyat could live in peace. We triumphed because of the fierce courage of our troops, and more importantly, the charisma of their leaders.
The armed forces had many skilful generals. One of them was Major-General Datuk Mahmood Sulaiman, who led the "war" against communist terrorists during the early and mid-1970s. Sadly, Mahmood died at the age of 92 on Aug 26, just days before Merdeka and two weeks before Malaysia Day.
Mahmood joined the army in 1952 as a recruit in Port Dickson. Showing early potential, he was selected for training in England. While there, Mahmood was handpicked to go to the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst (RMAS).
As an officer, he attended a string of prestigious courses, namely the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, India, and the Joint Services Staff College in Latimer, England. In 1963, he served in Leopoldville, Congo, under the United Nations. Born in Batu Pahat, Johor, Mahmood was married to Siti Khadijah Abbas and they have two children, Hisham and Aizah.
He was the only general entrusted to lead two army divisions, as General Officer Commanding (GOC) East Malaysia from 1972 to 1974 and GOC Peninsular Malaysia from 1975 to 1977. This was due to his successful handling of communist terrorism in several parts of Sarawak, and when danger loomed at the Malaysia-Thai border, Mahmood rose to the occasion. Fierce attacks were made on our security forces, with the laying of booby traps and anti-personnel mines, stopping at nothing to wreak havoc.
Mahmood also had to strategise for operations involving the various brigades in Perak, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Pahang. He also initiated vital operations with the Royal Thai army, such as Op Daoyai Musnah and Op Cahaya Bena.
Often attributing the victories to his officers and soldiers, Mahmood always said he was ably assisted. He was much admired by his subordinates and made frequent visits to see them, gave advice and encouragement and even shed tears upon hearing news of fallen soldiers.
His death had saddened many who had the privilege of meeting him. One of them is Major-General (Rtd) Datuk Zulkiflee Mazlan,also a graduate of Sandhurst, who had this to say: "True to the hallmarks of RMAS, Mahmood was a consummate officer and gentleman. His legacy resides in the officers and men he inspired and mentored. I saw in him a true professional and that has inspired and challenged me to find that leader in me."
Another retired officer, Lieutenant-Colonel (Rtd) David L. Hermon, said: "His sheer charisma made it a pleasure to work with him. Mind you, he expected the highest quality of work. And if displeased, he would tell you in no uncertain terms. I have many fond memories of him."
Lieutenant-Colonel (Rtd) Tan Siew Soo, who served Mahmood, said: "His exemplary leadership and amiable character gained him so much respect from the Thai top brass during and after the two major combined operations."
Major Lee Kong Kok, who served Mahmood as a staff officer, said: "He was intelligent, well read and eloquent. He barely referred to his notes when briefing foreign dignitaries. He was a strategist and convinced his Thai counterpart to launch Op Daoyai Musnah inside Thai territory. We look up to him in awe and with respect."
Even after he left the army, Mahmood remained an icon unmatched by any other. It won't be wrong to dub him as the Malaysian version of General Douglas MacArthur, the American general who, quoting Shakespeare said this famous line: "I came, I saw, I conquered."
MAJOR (RTD) MUSTAPHA ALI
Royal Regiment of Artillery (1974-1994)
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times