Malaysian veterans visit World War Two last battle site in Singapore

Malaysian veterans visit World War Two last battle site in Singapore

A 15-member delegation from Persatuan Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (PVATM) (Veterans Association of Malaysian Armed Forces) led by its President Capt Datuk Sharuddin Bin Hj Omar (Ret), arrived in Singapore on a one-day visit on April 27, 2022. 

They visited Reflections at Bukit Chandu to retrace the Battle of Pasir Panjang when the heavily-outnumbered British defenders which included the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the nascent Malay Regiment made a desperate last stand against invading Japanese forces on 14 February 1942.

President PVATM Capt Datuk Sharuddin Bin Hj Omar (Ret) said: "We have not seen each other for about two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down.

The visit was also very timely, coming close to PVATM’s centennial celebration on May 20, 2022.

We have been closely associated with SAFVL historically as we were among the first co-founders of VECONAC, which included Legiun Veteran Republik Indonesia (LVRI), Veterans Federation of The Philippines (VFP) and The War Veterans Organization of Thailand (WVOT)."

Capt Datuk Sharuddin added: "We strongly believe that there is a need to strengthen relationships from time to time under the VECONAC Interaction Program (VIP). And it is in this spirit we also welcome all VECONAC member countries to visit Malaysia."

He said: "The visit to Bukit Chandu and Pasir Panjang is a must for all Malaysian Veterans leadership, where many of our comrades lost their lives there during WWII. It is also to pay our respects, show our appreciation and recognition for their sacrifices to the nation - Honour, Sacrifice and Dignity."

Vice President SAF Veterans League (SAFVL), COL (Ret) Lau Kee Siong hosted the visit on behalf of SAFVL President BG (RET) Winston Toh.   He took the visitors to the ground to retrace and appreciate the tactical defensive positions held by the defenders of the battle.   This included the final position at Point 226 where C Coy of 2nd Battalion, Malay Regiment (which included Lieutenant Adnan Saidi and his valiant men) met their demise. 

COL (Ret) LAU said: "Walking the battle ground and seeing how some areas dominate certain approaches, clearly showed why these positions were key terrain.  

The general layout of the ground and the way the contour lines are stacked up determined how the defenders deployed and the battle was prosecuted and the eventual outcome, as recorded in the history books.   

Our visitors had a great time using their old skills endemic in their years of experience as veterans and military professionals. They easily pieced together and read the battle as if it were a jigsaw puzzle in reverse."

Reflections at Bukit Chandu was closed in 2018 for major renovation works. It reopened again to the public in September 2021. 

The revamped interpretative centre takes visitors on an immersive journey to remember the heroic acts of the brave soldiers of the Malay Regiment. The exhibits include an extract of a film depicting the Malay Regiment and Lieutenant Adnan Saidi on parade.

The visit by PVATM reflects the warm and excellent ties between PVATM and SAFVL.