The spark of hope that Mukhtiar had clung on to, in seeking a pension for his services to the country, has been reignited with the “professional and fair” hearing he has been accorded by the various authorities, including the police.

“I am very happy that there are these officers who are taking so much effort looking into my case and verifying everything,” said Mukhtiar. Indeed, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned in painstakingly tracing his service records, which began in July 1948 — more than 60 years ago. “We keep our promises — within the ambit of our services,” said Datuk Yeow Chin Kiong, director of the Post-Service Division (formerly known as the Pensions Division) of the Public Services Department Malaysia, who chaired the meeting.

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“Having charted the period of service of Capt (Rtd) Mukhtiar, who was with the police and subsequently, the armed forces, I can say that ‘Round 1’ of the police service is clarified. We are now working very closely on the second half of Mukhtiar’s service with the armed forces and will forward our findings of this meeting for evaluation.”

Present at the meeting was Armed Forces Operations, Records and Pensions Division staff officer Mej Ali Puad Ahmad, as well as representatives of the Armed Forces Veterans’ Affairs Division Pensions Department deputy directors Kpt Rozita Mohamed and Kpt Salim Ibrahim.

Yeow was assisted by Post- Service Division deputy directors (Development) Sadiah Abu Samah and Hussein Yasin, and Munirah Syukraan (Operations). Lt Kol (Rtd) Idris Hassan, who served in the army together with Mukhtiar, was also at hand to furnish information on his colleague’s track record.

Mukhtiar was not given a regular commission and hence, rendered ineligible for a pension because of the technicality of not attending the Platoon Weapons and the Young Officers Tactics courses. Mukhtiar had stated that he had been informed by his superiors that he did not need to attend the courses as he was already a weapons instructor. He more than willingly would have done so had he known it would have cost him his pension.

Idris, in requesting that Mukhtiar’s case be treated as a “special” one, reiterated that the army had used its discretion before in cases of a few servicemen who did not fulfil requirements but had been given exemptions because of their loyal service to the country.

“I sincerely believe that the authorities were not aware and never informed in a concerted manner of Mukhtiar’s sterling service to the country. This is the first time that we have such a forum to seek redress for a hero. I, too am hopeful.” The Malay Mail

It has been a long and ongoing battle for both Captain (Rtd) Mukhtiar Singh and his loyal friend Lt Col (Rtd) Idris Hassan. For those readers who do not know what this is all about please visit the following links:

1. Mukhtiar's story October 20, 2008 The Malay Mail

2. Mukhtiar captures Red, Yap Keow Sin, 35

3. A letter from Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Mohd Idris Hassan on a grave injustice done to an old soldier

4. Captain Courageous aka Mukhtiar Singh s/o Sodagar Singh

5. He was too quick on the draw for the Reds 28th December 1956

6. Lowdown and underhanded to undermine Captain Mukhtiar's appeal for his pension

7. Of pride,honour,and dying in dignity by Sheila Rahman

8. A warrior Pooh-poohed

9. Hero Mukhtiar shot down again

10. When a hero almost cried by Sheila Rahman

11. A warrior left out

12. An uncomfortable comparison

13. It is sad that Malaysia treats some of it's soldiers shoddily