What’s special about September?

From NST 11 September 2007 by SAGER AHMAD

The 50th Merdeka celebrations are just over. But, writes SAGER AHMAD, this month marks many important events too
SEPTEMBER is a special month as there are dates pegging important events in our nation’s history, like the Japanese surrender during World War II, Malaysia’s birthday and the Armed Forces Day.

On September 13, 1945, the Japanese surrendered in Malaya, ending the traumatic occupation of parts of Asia by its forces during World War II (1941-1945).

The event took place at Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur at 2pm. They surrendered in Singapore a day earlier.

To many Malaysians, it may not seem significant and the day passes without any fanfare.

But in 2005, for the 60th anniversary of The Surrender, a ceremony was held at the Keranji War Memorial in Woodlands, Singapore.

In September 1995, the Ministry of Defence organised a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the ending of WW II at the Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur. It was graced by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Jaafar.

Of all the colonial masters who ruled Malaya (the Portuguese from 1511-1645, Dutch from 1645-1824 and finally, the British from 1824-1957), the Japanese rule was the shortest, bloodiest and most brutal.

Every year on Feb 14, many Malaysians celebrate an alien festival, St Valentine’s Day, but how many remember that it was on Feb 14, 1942, that Lt Adnan Saidi and his comrades from the Rejimen Askar Melayu gallantly made their last stand against the more superior Japanese forces in the famous Battle of Pasir Panjang Ridge at Bukit Chandu, Singapore?

Although outnumbered, they managed to kill many Japanese soldiers before they ran out of ammunition. They were captured and killed by the Japanese. Lt Adnan’s remains were buried in an unmarked grave somewhere in Keranji.

Lt Adnan and his comrades were part of the Malaysian Armed Forces which would be celebrating its 74th Anniversary on Sept 16 this year.

September 16 is also the birthday of Malaysia when North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak joined Malaya in 1963. Sadly, this event also goes unnoticed, too.






September is also special because of this. Click this link to know more.