An Encounter with... An Ex-Communist

Name    : Loh Weng

Age        : 70+

Where Are You From?   : Malaysia

Currently Residing In…   : Tanjung Tualang, Perak, Malaysia

What Do You Do For A Living?     : Not working now. Looking after grandchildren.

AEW      : Hello Uncle. Thank you for being willing to participate in this interview. This is a difficult and long-forgotten topic. But I would like to know about your time with the Communist Party of Malaya. Do you remember when you joined the CPM?

LW          : During the Japanese Occupation of then Malaya.

AEW      : What motivated you to join the CPM then?      

LW          : We were anti-Japanese  soldiers and that was what the CPM was fighting against then.

AEW      : Do tell me, what was your actual involvement as a member of the party?    

LW          : To fight against the Japanese soldiers and to ensure the safety of the people. After the Japanese Occupation ended, we were fighting the British instead to gain independence for Malaya. It was funny, because I think when we fought the Japanese, we were fighting together with the British.

AEW      : What was the toughest period you had to go through during the war against communism in then Malaya?  

LW          : It was tough when we had to hide and live in the jungle and all the while, knowing that the that the Special Branch police (the “eyes and ears” of the then government) were harassing members of my family.

AEW      : Were your family involved with the CPM too or was it just you?     

LW          : Only me and one of my brothers.

AEW        : Was it difficult to assimilate back to normal livelihood after the CPM days were over?    

LW          : No. When we gave up, we were given a chance to undergo an assimilation course to readjust back to society and back to our lives.

AEW        : Do you regret that this was part of your life’s history?      

LW          : No. We were fighting for a cause then and if we turned back time, I would still do it again.

AEW      : What are your hopes for Malaysia now?    

LW          : A country whereby there is fairness for everyone.

AEW      : Thank you for your time, Uncle! It was insightful and yes, we all have the same hopes for Malaysia too!

           For those who wish to read up on the CPM's point-of-view on history - AEW recommends reading Chin Peng : My Side Of History.