The era of the communist terrorist insurgency that happened more than 50 years ago is very distant for the generation after that era, particularly the young people.
In fact, it is difficult for them to imagine the difficult times that the previous generation went through at that time, especially when compared to the peaceful atmosphere experienced today.
For example, many among the people of Ipoh may have forgotten about the incident whereby the Perak Police Chief was killed by two members of the communist killing squad.
In the incident on 13 November 1975, the late Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Panglima Khoo Chong Kong was shot while at the traffic light junction of Fair Park and Jalan Anderson.
His driver, Sergeant Yeung Peng Chong and his car driver were also killed.
For that reason, the citizens of this city should visit the Darul Ridzuan Museum on Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab here to see the ongoing ‘Between 2 Emergencies’ exhibition.
This exhibition is an initiative of the Perak State Museum Board in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police Museum (PDRM).
An exhibition full of interesting information about the nation’s colonial era started on October 15 last with the exhibition materials belonging to the Kuala Lumpur PDRM Museum.
It unravels the history of the communist rebellion in the homeland before and after the era of independence, especially the bloody tragedy in Perak.
With a modern and contemporary exhibition concept, the materials on display include the actual clothes of the late Chong Kong as well as the car he rode in.
Although the exhibition is of a small scale, it is enough to give an understanding and some knowledge of the history of the First and Second Emergency.
Also on display is a special telling about the Forest Police Force (PPH).
This is because the role of PPH as the backbone of the police force during the fight against communist terrorists is rarely told.
The exhibition is open every day from 9am to 5pm and admission is free.
by Rosli Mansor
