Kedah state executive councillor in charge of tourism Mohd Asmirul Anuar Aris today oversaw the removal of a signboard at a Japanese war monument which had described its soldiers involved in the invasion of Malaya as "heroes".
Acknowledging the mistake, Mohd Asmirul said he wanted it to be rectified immediately.
"I instructed and personally removed the signboard to quickly rectify the matter so that it does not become an issue," he told Malaysiakini.
Mohd Asmirul said the word "heroes" will be amended to "soldiers" on the signboard.
Asmirul explained that the monument had existed since the previous BN government’s era, and the Japanese consulate had offered to restore it as it was previously dirty and covered in shrubs.
As part of the restoration project, a description board was erected in three languages - Bahasa Malaysia, English and Japanese - which described the soldiers commemorated by the monument as "heroes".
According to the sign, the memorial commemorates the act of Commander Platoon Lieutenant Hajima Asahi and two others.
The trio had died while attempting to secure what was then known as the Alor Setar bridge on Dec 13, 1941 during the early stages of Imperial Japan’s conquest of Malaya and Borneo.
Asmirul, who was present when the restored monument was unveiled on March 21 within the compound of the Tourism Ministry office in Kedah, had received brickbats.
The event had been organised by the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang’s office, the Kedah chapter of the Malaysian Historical Society (PSMCK) and the Kedah State Museum.
The Kubang Rotan assemblyperson said the Japanese consulate will be informed of the changes to be made to the board.
He added that an anti-war message would also be erected at the site in Alor Setar.
"We will put up an anti-war board. It will serve as a lesson for the future generation to stand against war and racial sentiments that could lead to war and disharmony," he said. - Mkini
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