Memories of shooting communists haunt ex-soldier

Corporal (R) Abd Hadi Kassim would have trouble going to sleep every time he recalled taking the life of communists with bloodied hands.

Even though it happened nearly 35 years ago, the 64-year-old still has mixed feelings about it.

"Given the choice, I do not want to kill, but in defending the sovereignty of our nation, killing the enemy is a noble act.

"I made a pledge and I was obliged to fulfill it. I will continue to fight for as long as I have an ounce of energy left inside me,” said Abd Hadi who retired in 1992, after serving 21 years with the Second Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.

FIRST BATTLE

He and his fellow soldiers were stationed at the Army Camp in Mentakab, Batu 5, Bentong, Pahang when the 1981 incident took place.

He said the encounter with the communists at a rubber plantation there had really tested their mental toughness and strategy.

“The three of us were at the bottom of the hill while the enemy was as the top. One wrong move and we would be dead,” said the Perlis-born.

He said as soon as they have made certain that those at the top of the hill were communists, he fired the first shot. Both sides then exchanged fire for about five minutes before the communists retreated.

“We were extremely grateful to have survived the shootout. Two of the communists were killed while the other two escaped,” he said.

BLOOD ON HIS HANDS

Abd Hadi said once, during an operation to clean up and check for clues after a shootout, he found that one of the communists shot was still alive.

“I was shocked to see him move and found myself reaching for my gun. I shot his body once and his blood spattered on my hands and body,” he said, tears streaming at the recollection.

He said that day was the last day of their operation, after which and they were allowed to return home.

“I returned home with my bloodied uniform and was unable to sleep all night. I kept thinking about what I did, shooting a communist at close range,” he said.

ADVICE FOR THE YOUNG

Today, two of his sons followed in his footsteps and joined the army to serve the nation.

He said soldiers today were very lucky to be able to use technology to detect the enemy.

However, they should still be in a state of vigilance because the enemy could take all form and shape.

Abd Hadi believed that today’s generation should be inculcated with the appreciation of the value of a sovereign nation.

He also wanted them to view Malaysia’s independence as a valuable gift they were able to enjoy, despite not having to lift a weapon.