Prime Minister of Malaysia , Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi
I would like to congratulate the publishers of this book on Communist Terrorism of 1948-1960, or “The Emergency” as it is generally referred to, for making a valuable contribution to enhancing appreciation for this most trying period in Malaysia’s history.
Although much has been written about this difficult episode, it is now about half a century since those tumultuous events took place. The older generation who lived through the ordeal would no doubt have vivid memories of the trials and tribulations that they went through. The younger generation, however, would perhaps only have heard about the Emergency through their history lessons. Nonetheless, this attack on Malaysia's legitimate right to govern and to determine its own future democratically is an important fact that should not be forgotten; for we cannot allow extremism and intolerance to take root in our nation.
The Malayan Communist Party launched its struggle to purportedly rid British Imperialism from within our shores. However, their core belief and methods were not at all acceptable to the people of Malaya. While the Communists were no doubt enemies of colonialism, they were also opponents of all others who did not subscribe to their ideology. They used terror as a weapon to achieve their goals.
This episode still has relevance for us today, as we see, terrorism being waged in many parts of the globe. While we must do all that we can to battle this evil forces, we must also continue to win the hearts and minds of our people that violence can never be justified and that terror has no place in this world.
The threat of Communist Terrorism of 1948-1960, including the designs of the Clandestine Communist Organisation (CCO) of Sarawak, were finally overcome by the bravery and devotion of our security forces. The armed forces of several Commonwealth countries also came to our aid in this effort. However, it was the faith, patience and sacrifices of our people that ultimately led to the defeat of the Communists.
I am sure this book will serve as a useful source of reference for the events that occurred during the Emergency. I hope it will provide a timely reminder to one and all that we must persevere and work hard to maintain peace and prosperity in our country.
