Don’t take freedom for granted, says war veteran
GEORGE TOWN: He may be a centenarian, but the haunting memories of World War II are still fresh on Khoo Khek Jin’s mind.
Born in June 1918, Khoo’s relatively peaceful life was disrupted by the arrival of Japanese forces on Malaysian soil.
“Following their arrival, I served as a runner for the army in 1941 where I was based in Batu Ferringhi.
“My main task was to deliver messages and notices, which was a risky and dangerous job,” he said at his home in Bandar Baru Air Itam yesterday.
He added that he had to stay in the trenches as the war tore through the country.
Khoo recounted the hardship locals suffered during the Japanese Occupation.
“When the Japanese ruled the country, it was terrible. No mercy was shown.
“We had to follow everything they told us to do. We never had a full meal during that period as food was scarce,” he recalled.
It is of no surprise then, that the people felt euphoric when Malaya’s independence was declared.
“After the Japanese surrendered, many came out to help get the country back on its feet and volunteers received about RM100 each after the war.
“I was very happy when I heard the news. Everyone was shouting ‘Merdeka!’ on the streets and others were playing music and carrying banners.
“The British also advised us to help one another in rebuilding the country and share the Merdeka joy with the less fortunate,” he said.
Khoo urged Malaysians to appreciate and treasure the peace and freedom they have at the moment.
“Having experienced so much, things are much better now, where everyone is free.
“We must not take our freedom for granted but continue to love each other instead of destroying everything through war,” he said.