Page 179 - English Tingkatan 1

I am Malaysian CHAPTER13

Sergeant Kanang was in active service during the Emergency, the country’s struggle
against communism. In an operation in the Korbu Forest Reserve at Fort Legap in 1979, Sergeant
Kanang's 8th Battalion Royal Rangers successfully destroyed a communist camp. For his bravery,
he was conferred the highest gallantry award, the Pingat Gagah Berani.
In 1980, Sergeant Kanang and his platoon stumbled upon and destroyed a large
communist force at Ladang Kinding, Sungei Siput, Perak. In the ensuing confrontation, he was
badly shot. However, the will to live and fight another day was strong. He recuperated from a
coma and was back on active duty. Kanang’s battle cry ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ (Still Alive, Still
Fighting) originated from ‘Rentap’, the famous Iban warrior who had inspired his men and other
soldiers to fight to death in defence of the nation.
Sergeant Kanang retired after 21 years of service as a First Warrant Officer. For his
knowledge in Iban traditions and customs, Kanang was made a Temenggong for the Iban
community of Sri Aman division. Subsequently, he was awarded the Officer of the Most Exalted
Order of the Star of Sarawak (PBS) in 1987.
In 2011, Kanang supervised Operation Mai Pulai which involved the locating and
exhumation of the remains of 21 Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers killed during the emergency
in West Malaysia. Their remains were returned to Sarawak where they were ceremonially
reburied. Kanang was conferred the Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak
which carries the title Datuk.
Datuk Kanang believed that every soldier should be loyal, co-operative and courageous.
His training inspired him with an undying love of his homeland and the spirit to fight for it at all
times. Datuk Kanang passed away in January 2013 and was buried with full military honours at
the Heroes’ Grave at Jalan Budaya, Kuching. His patriotism certainly knew no limits!
Adapted from: Kanang, The Story Of A Hero by Maznan Noordin

TASK

1. Explain in your own words the meaning of patriotism.
2. Based on the text, describe how acts of bravery and heroism of the patriot, Datuk
Kanang was acknowledged? How do you feel about such acknowledgements?
3. What have you learnt from the story? Discuss.

A ction O riented
Task
The class is divided into three groups to do a project on how Malaysians
feel and show national pride. 21st
Century
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Skills
Interview family Exchange views via Do research in the school library
and neighbours social media – get materials and pictures for
a visual presentation
Present your information to the class.

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