The Malay Experiment.
The compelling Malay Regiment history, told for the first time. Paperback/ eBook/ Audiobook. Out now!
Listen to a short 3-minute sample of the audiobook here. This excerpt features Lt Adnan Saidi's heroic last stand on Bukit Chandu, Singapore, February 1942. Available now on Audible, Amazon, Audiobooks.com and Apple.
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I'm very excited to announce the eBook is also translated into Malay language ('Eksperimen Melayu') and available exclusively on Kobo.
The 100-page book also includes 12 pages of archival and historical images, including the founding father of the regiment, the swashbuckling swordsman Capt George Bruce, the reluctant hero Capt Howard Bretherton MC, and Raja Lope, who rose from a private to Brigadier-General in 23 years, mirroring Malaysia's transition from colony to country.
Their full story from 1933 to present day covers a swathe of incidents such as WW2 (Malaya and the Fall of Singapore especially the Battle of Pasir Panjang Ridge on the west coast), the Malayan Emergency 1948, Merdeka, Konfrontasi, and much more. Anyone interested in the 2nd Lancashire Loyals and 2/18 Australian regiments will find much here, as they fought cheek-by-cheek in Singapore.
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And anyone with family connections to Lt-Col George Denaro, Douglas Morris, William Young, Alistair Mackenzie, Lt-Col James Andre, will be amazed at the depth of research and personal detail of their lives in Port Dickson and Singapore, plus their experiences as POWs on the Thai Burma Death Railway. One point of departure is this book highlights the role of the native soldiers as 'romusha' (Asian labourers) on the railway, and their experiences there, a rare glimpse into the plight of non-European POWs and captives.
Testimonials and Reviews: The Malay Experiment
“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.
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'Excellent!" Margaret Dudley, National Museum of the Pacific War.
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"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.
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'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.
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Interview on BFM89.9 Malaysia with Sharaad Kuttan: Listen here (41 mins)
Interview of CNA938 Singapore with Melanie Oliveiro: Listen here (28 mins)
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TO READ MORE MEDIA REVIEWS AND PRESS CLIPPINGS, click here. THANKS!
Buy your copy today, or buy a copy for someone who enjoys stories of human spirit ...
On the shelves in Singapore at: Kinokuniya, Basheer Graphics, Wardah Books, Littered with Books, Changi Museum, Reflections at Bukit Chandu, Asian Civilisations Museum, Battlebox, and Book Bar.
Malaysia: Kinokuniya, Kawah Buku, Tustaya, Eslite.
Thailand: Asia Books.
Elsewhere, your best bet for paperback, ebook, and audiobook, is Amazon. Terima kasih banyak!