MOTTO LIFTED SPIRITS, SAYS EX-COP
‘Malaysians should be grateful for privileges fought for by their ancestors’
THE year was 1964. Mutalib Ghani, 76, will never forget his yellow shirt and short pants uniform, with the motto pergo et perago, which means “I do and I achieve”, written in Latin during the North Borneo Chartered Company administrative era.
The former policeman said the uniform and motto were his most cherished memories as Malaysia turned one.
Mutalib said the uniform symbolised a contribution to the nation’s security, while the slogan lifted one’s spirits to maintain sovereignty.
He said the struggle before the formation of Malaysia, included limited job opportunities where there were only vacancies in logging companies which offered a monthly salary of RM48.
“After 1963, only police, Customs and others were available. Prior to police recruitment, I worked to help measure logs. Nowadays, there are many job opportunities and people should be grateful with the achievement.
“This was fought for by our ancestors. Without them, we would not be enjoying the privileges now,” he told the New Straits Times Press.
Mutalib, who served 31 years as a policeman, said among challenges faced by the force included the threat of pirates from Southern Philippines, who had targeted the east coast for robberies and murders.
He was involved in clashes with pirates in Bum Bum Island off Semporna, where the bandits had robbed and killed two fishermen.
During that time, the pirates used more advanced weapons, such M-16 rifles and three horsepower pump boats.
“It was quite terrible. So much so, that we did not change for almost a week due to heavy duty and there were not many personnel.
“Now, there are more staff and they are using more advanced weapons.”