CHALLENGES OF DEFENDING COUNTRY SWEET MEMORIES FOR POLICEMAN

JITRA (Kedah, Malaysia), Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Eighty three-year-old Talib Saman
never once regretted serving the police force for 35 years to protect the
country and going through various challenges and dangers that came with the job.

His spirit never faltered even after he was detained four days for
assaulting an Englishman because of his anger against the British colonialists, or
the six near-death experiences of almost being shot by communists while on duty in
the jungles of Padang Besar in Perlis and Betong, Yala and Narathiwat in Thailand.

"I faced all kinds of challenges throughout my years of service, and I don't
regret any of it but feel proud of what I've done in the past," he told
reporters at his home in Kampung Kunluang, near here Monday.

He said he had served 30 areas in Peninsular Malaysia and was posted to Tasek
Gelugor, Penang when Malaysia achieved independence.

Talib said he was present in Baling during negotiations between the
government and communists there in 1955, whereby an individual had given him a glass
with a portrait of the first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.

"I don't remember who gave me the glass but I kept it until now," he said.

Talib, who had always wanted to give the glass to whoever visited him, presented
the glass to Jitra assemblyman Saad Man as a token of appreciation.

When asked to comment on the lack of enthusiasm among the younger generation to
celebrate Merdeka (independence), Talib said it was because they were born in a
modern generation and did not experience the difficulties during the colonial
era.

"They do not know the struggles and sacrifices people made in the past for
Malaysia to be independent. All they know is that there are celebrations every
Aug 31," he added.

Meanwhile, Saad, who was met at Talib's home, said he was amazed by Talib's
spirit and awed by his stories.

"Even at the age of 83, he has undying spirit which the younger generation
should emulate," he said.
--BERNAMA