The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of the Malay Regiment

'This book impresses me beyond words. Here is a writer driven by passion for the deeds of brave soldiers. A must-read for all officers of the Malay Regiment.' —Brig-Gen Dato Mohamed Arshad Raji (Ret'd).

It started with a question from the British colonial government, concerned about the security of their protectorate Malaya: Could the Malays develop an effective modern fighting force?

So in 1933 a small batch of 25 Malay recruits were assigned to train with British officers in Port Dickson, Malaya: The 1st Experimental Company.

The 'founding father' was Major George Bruce, a tall sporty decorated WW1 hero, with a huge scar on his cheek from the Battle of the Somme.

Both sides sized each other up on the gravel parade ground, and decided we could both learn from each other.

The cross-cultural collaboration between British officers and Malay recruits proved successful, respecting local religion and practices, and developing the regiment’s DNA.

They soon impressed audiences locally and internationally with their drills and skills, dressed in dapper traditional sarong and songkoks, with ceremonial kris daggers at their sides. In 1935, they officially became The Malay Regiment.

With the outbreak of WW11 in Malaya in 1941, the hypothesis was fully tested in the heat of battle against crack Japanese troops, down the Malayan peninsula, on to the west coast of Singapore: Pasir Panjang Ridge, culminating in a prize title fight on Bukit Chandu. Against overwhelming odds — and some of the fiercest fighting in the entire campaign — the regiment stood their ground, bravely defending nearly to the last man in the case of some 1st Battalion companies.

True to their motto: 'Ta'at dan Setia'. Loyal and true. Death before dishonour.

The answer to the British question was a resounding ‘Yes!’ Boleh, lah!

In 1947 it was crowned the Royal Malay Regiment, colours personally bestowed by King George VI.

This is the real story of the regiment told in detail as never before, capturing their humanity and human spirit.

About the Author

Stuart Lloyd lived in Asia for nearly 25 years, and conducted military history tours through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. This is his 21st non-fiction book.

Dimensions: 15.24 x 0.61 x 22.86 cm