01/09/2025

MONDAY | SEP 1, 2025

3 Defining moment in making of a patriot

o Veteran policeman, who also served in Air Force, relives lifetime of battles, sacrifices and love for nation he still serves in his heart

1992 and 2004, carrying the spirit of independence in every step. Even in his 80s, he pushed his limits. During a Hari Pahlawan march at the National Monument four years ago, he fainted and broke his wrist. “He was already 80, but he still wanted to go,” said Tan. “Merdeka inspired me to serve. It is a reminder of our struggles and our blessings,” Woon said. Looking at Malaysia today, his face lights up. “The young should be grateful. What they have now was built on the sweat, tears and sacrifices of those before them. As we once fought communists, today we must fight social ills like crime and bullying. That is the new war of our times. “Opportunities and a better life came after independence,” he reflected. “For that, I am always grateful. Merdeka will forever live in my heart.” As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes – proof of how deeply Merdeka still stirs his soul. Even now, he insists he never truly retired. “Family responsibilities required me to leave the force, but in my heart,

Tan recalled. “I managed the household, raised the children and prayed for him every night. “There were no schools in Gambang (Pahang) back then, so I taught our children to read and write.” Their daughter, Alice Woon Wai Kam, 53, a tax manager, said Woon is more than a father. “To me, he is a hero – willing to risk his life for his comrades and his nation. His stories sound like action movies, but they were real. That makes me admire him even more.” Over his career, Woon retrieved drowning victims, endured countless post-mortems and subdued dangerous criminals. He received a letter of commendation and a cash reward for bravery. During the Covid-19 lockdown in 2021, Woon was awarded the national hero service medal – the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara. “It was one of the most memorable moments of my life,” Woon said. For him, service was always about love – for his family, his faith and his country. He marched proudly in the Merdeka Parade 10 times between

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Two years on, he returned home and joined the Federation of Malaya Police Force (1967–1978), standing guard during some of the nation’s most turbulent years. His wife, Tan Sew Eng, now 79, remembers how even police spouses were trained during the communist insurgency. “They taught us how to use guns in case communists attacked the station. But I was too afraid to even hold one,” she said. As a detective, Woon tracked down the notorious gangster Botak Chin, leading to a violent shootout that ended in the criminal’s capture. At a roadblock, he once foiled an armed robbery by shooting out the tyre of a fleeing car, a feat still celebrated by his family. But behind the uniform was a husband and father who sacrificed countless moments at home. “During the Emergency, he would be gone for weeks in the jungle,”

PETALING JAYA: To 16-year-old Woon Yoon Kim, standing in Merdeka Stadium on Aug 31, 1957, independence was a promise worth fighting for. At 84, the former policeman remembers how that promise sent him into jungles, shootouts and frontlines to protect a fragile young nation. “I will never forget the day we were declared citizens of an independent country,” he told theSun. “It was a huge blessing. From that moment, I wanted to contribute to my beloved nation and defend it from threats, both inside and outside.” And he did. At just 18, Woon enlisted in the Royal Air Force Malaya (1959–1964), later serving with the Singapore Police Force (1964–1967).

Woon showing the medals he received during the Covid-19 lockdown. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

I never stopped serving. “My dedication to the country continued for as long as I was able.” His hope is simple: that the next generation will honour the sacrifices of those before them and be inspired to serve Malaysia. Woman arrested after rushing towards Sultan IPOH: A 41-year-old woman was arrested yesterday after she attempted to rush towards the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah during the state-level National Day parade. Perak police chief Commissioner Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the incident happened at 8.20am while the state anthem was being played. The woman entered from the side of the stage and moved towards the Sultan before she was stopped by security personnel. She was detained on the spot and taken to a police station. Checks showed she had a record of two prior drug-related offences and a history of psychiatric treatment, although a urine test taken after her arrest returned negative. “The case is being investigated under Sections 325 and 511 of the Penal Code for attempting to voluntarily cause grievous hurt,” Noor Hisam said in a statement, adding that the offence carries both imprisonment and a fine upon conviction. Ipoh police later identified the woman as a fast-food outlet worker from Jelapang and a resident of Kampung Manjoi. Investigators were told she had tried to embrace Sultan Nazrin, claiming she believed he was her husband, whom she referred to as “Nazri”. She was also found carrying a neurology clinic card for treatment of brain-related conditions and has been referred for further medical examination. A video of the incident has since gone viral, showing the woman walking behind dignitaries on stage before suddenly running towards the Sultan. She was seen bumping into him before being tackled and pinned down by security. Noor Hisam urged the public to respect official ceremonies and avoid actions that could jeopardise peace and security. Ű BY HARITH KAMAL AND QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newdesk@thesundaily.com

KL Tower becomes beacon of unity on eve of National Day

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Tower turned into a stage for unity on the eve of Merdeka as thousands gathered to welcome the country’s 68th National Day with lights, music and a carnival-like atmosphere. The terrace at the tower buzzed with energy well past midnight. Families, friends and tourists spilled across the grounds, waving flags, singing along and soaking in a sense of belonging that went beyond the spectacle overhead. For many, it was less about a countdown and more about the shared feeling of being part of something bigger. Among the crowd was Muhammad Rizal Rosli, 39, who had travelled from Kajang with his wife and their two children. “We came as early as 9pm just to find parking, but even then the compound was full. We had to park outside and walk in. “But it was worth it. I wanted my kids to have this experience. We paid RM120 for the family and the view of KLCC and Merdeka 118 from above was unforgettable,” said Rizal. While patriotism played its part, Rizal admitted the night was about memory-making. “At least when they grow up, they’ll have something to tell their children and grandchildren.” His nine-year-old son, Muhammad Fayyad, was all smiles. “The view from KL Tower was beautiful. I liked it when the lights changed colours and we played the ‘guess-the-state’ game. I guessed five! But the fireworks were still my favourite.” For others, the evening carried a more personal meaning. A spectator who only wished to be known as Victoria, 26, joined in the celebration with her partner. “It was a wonderful sight, with the fireworks bursting just above us. At first, we weren’t sure if the view would be clear since we didn’t go up the tower, but it turned out to be one of the best spots,” said Victoria’s partner. Victoria admitted it was her first real Merdeka celebration outdoors. “I never really had the chance before. This was my first time seeing the fireworks outside

Fireworks light up the night sky as thousands gathered to usher in Malaysia’s 68th Merdeka Day. – FAIZ RUZMAN/THESUN

Merdeka eve celebration was part of a broader effort to position KL as a cultural tourism draw ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. While the fireworks drew plenty of oohs and aahs, the celebration was more than just a show. Buskers warmed up the crowd, the midnight countdown roared and terraces filled to the brim reflected a nation still hungry for togetherness. Some leaned on their phones to record the moment, others simply stood still as the sky lit up. For Rizal’s children, it was about wonder. For Victoria and her partner it was romance. For Sharmili and Hanizah, it was unity. On this night, KL Tower was more than a landmark – it was a gathering place where Malaysians wrote their own Merdeka stories.

and it was great.” Both agreed the atmosphere was electric. “The live music was a surprise – the musicians were excellent. That added something special.” Best friends Sharmili Arumugam, 42, from Kepong and Hanizah Mohideen, 45, from Cyberjaya, waved their flags proudly during the Jalur Gemilang sing-along. “This was my first time at KL Tower, and it’s become such a nice memory. Seeing so many people of different races and cultures together and the sea of flags while singing Jalur Gemilang , it was touching,” said Hanizah. Sharmili echoed: “The patriotism lives on. I wish everyone a happy Merdeka and may we all live in unity and prosperity.” According to the tower’s management, the