Opposition MPs express shock over return of Chin Peng's ashes

PARLIAMENT | The proceeding in the Dewan Rakyat took an emotional turn today as several opposition members of parliament protested the return of former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) secretary-general Chin Peng’s ashes to Malaysia.

Deeming the recent turn of events as an insult to the memory of fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battle against the communists, they called for action to be taken against those responsible for bringing the ashes into the country.

Ramli Mohd Noor (BN- Cameron Highlands) (above) struggled to hold back tears commenting on the matter this morning, declaring to the House: “To me, I want to cry, I want to cry.”

He had interjected during the debate by Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (GPS - Santubong) on the Budget 2020 Supply Bill, upon which he asked the latter on his thoughts on the recent event.

In response, Wan Junaidi recalled his experience spending years in the jungle fighting the communists during the insurgency.

“I was just 24 years old, I entered the forest. For five years, I was in the forest, I grew up in the forest. I saw friends die and members of the public killed.

“There is no need to read history, I saw it for myself. We are saddened there are those who wish to idolise the communist fighters,” he said.

It was announced yesterday that the cremated remains of the exiled Perak-born communist leader had been brought to Malaysia from Thailand on Sept 16.

According to the group responsible for bringing in the ashes, the remains were scattered in the sea near Lumut as well as in the jungles of the Titiwangsa mountain range, with no monuments commemorating either site.

Chin Peng, whose real name was Ong Boon Hua, lived in Thailand following the disbanding of CPM.

Prior to his death, he expressed hope to return to his hometown in Sitiawan. Upon his death at the age of 89 in Bangkok on Sept 16, 2013, the then BN government forbade his ashes from being brought into Malaysia.

‘A big mistake has been made’

Just before the end of the morning debate session, another emotional opposition lawmaker, Noraini Ahmad (BN - Parit Sulong), expressed her disappointment and claimed the recent turn of events showed the current government failed to understand the debt of the people’s feelings.

“I feel the government had failed to understand the people’s needs in rejecting communist thinking, by allowing the return of Chin Peng’s ashes,” she said.

However, it was later reported that both Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail have denied the Pakatan Harapan government permitted the ashes to be brought in.

Noraini’s (above) claim, however, obtained the support of BN parliamentarians Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak), Shamsul Annuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) and Shahar Abdullah (Paya Besar).

They called on Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu to state his stand on the matter.

“When Chin Peng’s ashes were brought in(to Malaysia), it is as though the whole communist issue is no longer relevant to be accorded attention. Is it enough just to be disappointed? Action must be taken.

“The government should not play around on this matter as the rakyat is angry. I ask that the government take action against those responsible,” Tajuddin said.

Mohamad, however, said he would only respond after the Home Ministry completed its investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at Parliament lobby, Kubang Kerian MP Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man questioned the need for the ashes to be brought in.

“What is the purpose? The country is against the communist system and thousands of communist fighters caused the death of our (armed) forces and civilians.

“If it is to commemorate the communist struggle, I think a big mistake had been made.

“This move did not take into consideration the feelings of former service personnel and police,” said the PAS deputy president.

BN’s Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaakob (above) also expressed regret over the matter, saying “although they are just ashes, we must be clear that from a historical (context), Chin Peng is like a terrorist in our country.

“Bringing his ashes back won’t change history.

“The families (of fallen soldiers) are still here, their children maybe, their wives, their grandchildren. What befell the soldiers cannot be forgotten,” he said to reporters, also at Parliament today.

The Parliament opposition leader questioned the action to be taken by the current government.

“During BN’s time, the prohibition from bringing in the ashes was decided in cabinet...I understand from the deputy home minister’s statement the (current) government has maintained the old policy.

“I want to know what the government will do,” he said, adding that the matter might be brought up during the Umno supreme council meeting.

The opposition MPs’ statement today came in sharp contrast to that of Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa, who yesterday said the wishes of the Chin Peng’s next-of-kin should be respected, as long as they don’t break the law.

Currently, an urn containing human ashes of a family or friend can be brought into Malaysia as long as the Malaysian Customs Department is informed, relevant supporting documents produced, and approval is first sought by the Malaysian embassy at the country of origin. -Mkini