Never forget non-Malays’ role in fight for independence, says Ayob
Former Malaysian police official Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has called for greater recognition of non-Malay contributions to the country's independence. He expressed concern over increasing social and educational segregation among Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups.
Why it matters
The comments highlight ongoing debates regarding national identity, racial unity, and the historical narrative of Malaysia's independence.
Former deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said many Chinese police officers sacrificed their lives by infiltrating communist groups to obtain intelligence during the Malayan Emergency.
PETALING JAYA: The role that non-Malays played in the fight for independence must never go unrecognised, says former deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
He said non-Malay men in blue were especially pivotal in the effort to contain the communist insurgency during the 12-year Malayan Emergency from 1948. Malaya gained independence from Britain in August 1957.
“Many Chinese (police) officers sacrificed their lives by infiltrating communist cells to obtain intelligence,” he told FMT.
“We have to recognise the contributions of other races (apart from Malays) in achieving independence,” he added.
Ayob said there was a need to appreciate and respect the contributions of the non-Malay community.
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