Government has proof Mat Indera was CPM member, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR - The government has strong proof that Mat Indera was a member of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), based on the interview with him by police and the content of a book, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said in the recorded interview which was now being kept by police, Mat Indera had admitted to believing in the communist ideology, besides being involved in the planned attack on policemen in the Bukit Kepong incident in Muar in 1950.

"I have investigated the matter and we have the proof to be told to the people," he said in his speech at a premier gathering with ex-police personnel and retirees at the Putra World Trade Centre, here, Sunday.

Najib said besides the interview recording, the book titled, "Dialogues with Chin Peng: New Light On The Malayan Communist Party" by C.C.Chin and Karl Hack, CPM secretary-general Chin Peng was quoted as having stated that Mat Indera was a CPM member.

"It's wrong if we want to honour individuals like him (Mat Indera), and if we misinterpret history and deny heroism (of the rightful people)...the Barisan Nasional government will forever defend the country's real heroes."

Najib said the people should realise that only the real independence fighters will be remembered and honoured, not the communist terrorists who were regarded as heroes by Pas deputy president Mohamad Sabu or Mat Sabu, who said that Mat Indera was an independence fighter.

"I am surprised that there are people who glorify the communists, who purportedly had fought for the country's independence, but the real fighters were the police and army, not the communist terrorists ," he said.

Najib also regarded those who misinterpreted the nation's history, as well as deny, ridicule and belittle the services and sacrifices of the security forces as having committed an unforgiveable mistake.

Asked whether the interview recording would be made public at a press conference later, Najib said it would depend on the need.

On whether the government would take legal action against those who supported Mat Sabu's statement, Najib said that was a different issue but of greater concern was the attitude of individuals who disputed the sacrifices of those who fought for the country's independence and for peace.

"Legal action can only be taken if they have contravened the law, but their attitude is demonstrated by their stand," he added.

On the two per cent increase in pension for government retirees which was regarded as too small by some quarters, Najib said it depended on the government's ability and commitment.

"It's a big commitment. We have a very comprehensive pension scheme...but if we can afford more, we can give more. The adjustment has never been done before, so don't think that it's not important or insignificant," he said.

In the 2012 Budget, the government had announced that about 600,000 government retirees would enjoy annual pension adjustment involving a two per cent increase, effective in 2013.

- Bernama