#Article: Our National Hero, Lt Adnan Saidi

14 Feb 1942 - Leftenan Adnan Bin Saidi and his men of the Malay Regiment 1st Battalion, perished while fighting bravely the Japanese aggressors in one of the fiercest battles in Singapore during WWII. A war hero, he led his men in the Battle of Opium Hill (Bukit Chandu), off Pasir Panjang, giving the Japanese a bitter taste of real combat so much so that when they captured him, tortured him as revenge before killing him and burning his body. With His motto "Biar Putih Tulang Jangan Putih Mata" is still remembered or loosely means, "it is better to die to fight than to live to cry in regret till the eyes turn white." In other words, "Death Before Dishonour".

Timeline
1933 : Joined the Malay Regiment
1934 : Best recruit of the Malay Regiment
1936 : Promoted to rank of Sergeant
1937 : Chosen to represent his platoon in a military ceremonial parade in London to honour the ascension of King George IV to the throne
1937 : Married to Sophia Pakih Muda, a teacher
1937 : Promoted to Company-sergeant-major and left for Singapore for an officer's conversion course
193? : Graduated as 2nd Lieutenant, leader of the 7th Platoon, 'C' Coy, Malay Regiment
1941 : Posted to Singapore
14 Feb 1942 : Killed by Japanese Army in Battle of Opium Hill, off Pasir Panjang, Singapore
1995 : War memorial plaque at Vigilante Drive, Kent Ridge Park, erected in honour of Adnan and his Malay Brigade
17 Feb 2002 : Reflections at Bukit Chandu, World War II Interpretative Centre opened at Pasir Panjang Ridge

Posthumous Awards (by the British Government)
Star Medal
Defence Medal
War Medal

Let's us together remember 14th February as a mark of respect to our National Heroes


Information from National Library Board.