Use ISA against Chin Peng supporters – ex-servicemen
(Bernama) – The Ex-Servicemen’s Association has called on the government to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) against anyone, including politicians, who proposed or supported a move to allow former communist leader Chin Peng to return to Malaysia.
Its president, Datuk Muhammad Abdul Ghani, also described such quarters as communists for attempting to bring in the communist ideology into the country.
He hoped the government would take stern action against any politician or those attempting to bring Chin Peng into the country.
“If possible, use the ISA. We do not want the communist ideology to grow in Malaysia,” he told a press conference here today.
He said in a peace treaty and the dissolution of the Communist Party of Malaya in December 1989, the communist insurgents had agreed to stay in southern Thailand.
“If they want to return to this country, they will have to comply to the law and undergo a rehabilitation process.
“However, we, as ex-servicemen, will feel insulted if they were allowed to return as Malaysian nationals,” said Muhammad, who also urged the government to review the pension paid to retired soldiers who sustained permanent disability in the war against the communists.
Meanwhile, ex-serviceman Corporal Muhammad Sham Harun who lost his sight in an operation against the communist insurgents in Perak in 1975, does not harbour any love lost for the communists.
“If I ever see him (Chin Peng) again, I will dig his eyes out so he can feel what I feel.
“There must be something that makes him want to come back, or even spread the communist ideology. If he is allowed to return, then our sacrifices are futile,” the 55-year-old told a press conference.
Mohamad Sham retired from the army in 1994 and currently receives a RM429 monthly pension.
For Rosli Adnan, who lost his legs during the war with the communists in Grik, Perak, in 1978, Chin Peng’s return would cause misery to many ex-servicemen and their families.
“It’s better he stays out of the country. His return will hurt our feelings,” said the 50-year-old who receives a monthly pension of RM274.
