Nation Before Self

by Yuen Yuet Leng

Yuen Yuet Leng is an intrepid survivor of Malaysia's life-and-death struggle against the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) during the turbulent 1st Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) and subsequent emergency years till 1989. Initially a resolute, compassionate and courageous paramilitary platoon commander in a police jungle company, he was a soldier's soldier and was greatly admired by his men. He led from the front and was twice wounded in action. He thereafter distinguish himself similarly in 20 long years in the Special Branch in secret and delicate operations. He was both strategist and tactician. Grudgingly respected and feared, he was targeted for assassination during numerous failed communist operations. An apolitical yet politically conscious senior police commander, he had from youth believed, fought and almost died for a multiracial Malaysia with justice and equity to all communities without any prejudice to Bumiputras.

522 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Fadzli Osman · Rating 4 out of 5]

satu buku yang baik tentang perjalanan Darurat dan Insurgensi, Datuk Seri merupakan orang kuat "mata dan telinga" PDRM iaitu Special Branch.

Penulisan yang baik juga, menerangkan bahawa perang menentang komunisme juga disertai oleh rakyat Malaysia berbangsa Cina. Mereka menyusup masuk ke dalam organisasi PKM demi menghidu gerakan itu sendiri.

[Curvy Exterior · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good: Get to experience the trepidation of a high ranking policeman who lived through Japanese occupation and Communist insurgency. Rich in detail.
The Bad: Ends with a disillusioned note.