The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of The Malay Regiment
- Description
- Praise
- About the Author
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“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.”
—Foreword by Brig-Gen Dato Mohamed Arshad Raji (ret.)The compelling Malay Regiment history, told for the first time.
It started with a question from the British colonial government: 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. 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 WW1 in Malaya in 1941, the hypothesis was fully tested in the heat of battle against crack Japanese troops, on 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. Homegrown heroes like Lt Adnan Saidi were forged there.
True to their motto: ‘Ta’at dan Setia’. Loyal and true.
The answer to the British question was a resounding ‘Yes!’
This is the real story of the regiment told as never before, narrated by the author.
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“This is a slim book but certainly not short on narrative and interesting ‘characters’ such as Major Bruce, Raja Lope, Lt Adnan Saidi and Lt McKenzie MC. The Foreword to the book is written by a Malaysian Brigadier General. He describes it as ‘a must-read for all officers of the Malay Regiment.’ Rightly so because there is much here about ‘Esprit de Corps’ and acts of courage.”
—Jonathan Moffatt, Malay Volunteers Group“Such work and research. l can only read a bit at a time, so emotional, it will fill in a lot of gaps for me. I only have some verbal history from my mother as we were in the chaos of leaving Singapore on the last boat, thanks to her good friend Mary Bain squeezing us into her cabin. Tragic and terrible days for everyone.”
—Merryn Godber, daughter of Capt Howard Bretherton MC“Excellent!”
—Margaret Dudley, National Museum of the Pacific War“The Malay Experiment offers the first comprehensive account of the Malay Regiment’s colourful origins and its evolution into one of the nation’s most respected institutions. More than a military history, the book traces a story of dignity, discipline, and national pride — one that parallels Malaysia’s own journey to independence and identity.”
—Lincolnshire World“The Malay Experiment will intrigue and captivate both military enthusiasts and casual readers alike. The book’s pages are populated with colourful personalities. The book’s engaging narrative takes readers from the fall of Singapore to the climactic battle of Bukit Chandu and the glorious parades of Merdeka.”
—Free Malaysia Today“A remarkable history of a little-known chapter of WWII. Deeply researched and compelling, the book brings to life the stories of ordinary men who became extraordinary soldiers.”
—Orange City Life -
Stuart Lloyd lived in Asia for nearly 25 years. He has conducted special-interest military history tours through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. This is his 21st book. Stuart was once described by The Telegraph, UK, as ‘the perfect storyteller.’
Cover Type: Paperback
Page Count: 104
Year Published: 2025
Size: 229mm x 152mm
Language: English