FMT:
Comrades seek bravery award for anti-communist hero Otto Ong
5 hours ago
K. Parkaran
His former colleagues say the late army officer’s heroic acts during the fight against the communist insurgency ought to be posthumously recognised
Otto Ong as a young soldier and as a veteran, a few months before his death in May.
PETALING JAYA: An army soldier who risked his life to infiltrate the communist insurgency in the 1970s remains the only member of the secret F Force police team never to receive a national award for valour.
Otto Ong Hoon Teck’s bravery in action between 1971 and 1986 led to the killing of three key members of the Communist Party of Malaya, and the capture of a senior leader in 1978, according to a retired police officer.
Now two close friends and former army colleagues, retired colonel Kamal Omar and lieutenant-colonel Joseph Raja, are leading a move for Ong, who died in May at the age of 90, to be posthumously awarded one of Malaysia’s top two bravery awards.
“We strongly urge that Ong be given either the highest bravery award of Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa, or the second highest one, the Panglima Gagah Berani, the two awards received by members of the team known as the F Force,” Kamal and Raja told FMT in a telephone conversation.
Otto Ong Hoon Teck’s bravery in action between 1971 and 1986 led to the killing of three key members of the Communist Party of Malaya, and the capture of a senior leader in 1978, according to a retired police officer.
Now two close friends and former army colleagues, retired colonel Kamal Omar and lieutenant-colonel Joseph Raja, are leading a move for Ong, who died in May at the age of 90, to be posthumously awarded one of Malaysia’s top two bravery awards.
“We strongly urge that Ong be given either the highest bravery award of Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa, or the second highest one, the Panglima Gagah Berani, the two awards received by members of the team known as the F Force,” Kamal and Raja told FMT in a telephone conversation.
Kamal Ong (left) with Otto Ong (far right) and two other colleagues at their last “human library” session at the National Monument recently.
Ong, then a major, was the only army officer seconded to the unit in 1971. It comprised police officers and was managed by the Special Branch, which handled the highly classified and dangerous missions.
Kamal spoke passionately about Ong’s sacrifices along with members of the F Force team who “signed up” with the outlawed Communist Party of Malaya to infiltrate the movement, living in the jungle with its members.
“They comprised a small team of mainly Chinese police officers with Ong the only one from the army. They made a huge sacrifice for the nation, risking their lives and being away from their families for long periods,” said Kamal.
Retired deputy superintendent of police Kam Yoon Khong related in a testimonial how Ong was involved in the capture of a senior CPM leader, Chai Kar Leong, in 1978.
Bravery in action
“I headed one of the critical observation posts to monitor a roadblock led by Ong that resulted in Chai’s capture. This was a significant catch which snowballed into multiple projects, leading to the eventual arrest of dozens of communist terrorists,” Kam said in the testimonial.
In 1978, Ong received a letter of commendation from the Inspector-General of Police, then Haniff Omar, for his selfless and brave action a year earlier when he killed three key members of the CPM in Batu Caves, Selangor.
Kamal said he and Ong were part of a “human library” project comprising former servicemen who meet often at the National Monument to exchange their experiences to be documented.
“Listening to Otto’s spine-chilling experiences when escaping near death episodes in the deep jungles showed that the F Force members were there with passion to stop the CPM from destroying the country,” Kamal said.
The F Force, widely known as the F Team, was disbanded in 1992. Records on the force were officially declassified only in 2016.
“Ong was a very humble and down to earth human being who did not seek recognition. That’s him, always staying away from the limelight despite his huge contributions,” Kamal said.
Ong joined the army in 1957 as an enlisted man in what was to become the Royal Armoured Corps. He served with distinction and honour in Congo, during the Indonesian Confrontation and the communist insurgency. He retired in 1986 as the commanding officer of the 2nd armoured regiment.
Raja described Ong as an embodiment of leadership, professionalism and compassion. As a commanding officer, he was firm yet fair, and set high standards for those under his wing, ensuring discipline and excellence were never compromised.
Ong, then a major, was the only army officer seconded to the unit in 1971. It comprised police officers and was managed by the Special Branch, which handled the highly classified and dangerous missions.
Kamal spoke passionately about Ong’s sacrifices along with members of the F Force team who “signed up” with the outlawed Communist Party of Malaya to infiltrate the movement, living in the jungle with its members.
“They comprised a small team of mainly Chinese police officers with Ong the only one from the army. They made a huge sacrifice for the nation, risking their lives and being away from their families for long periods,” said Kamal.
Retired deputy superintendent of police Kam Yoon Khong related in a testimonial how Ong was involved in the capture of a senior CPM leader, Chai Kar Leong, in 1978.
Bravery in action
“I headed one of the critical observation posts to monitor a roadblock led by Ong that resulted in Chai’s capture. This was a significant catch which snowballed into multiple projects, leading to the eventual arrest of dozens of communist terrorists,” Kam said in the testimonial.
In 1978, Ong received a letter of commendation from the Inspector-General of Police, then Haniff Omar, for his selfless and brave action a year earlier when he killed three key members of the CPM in Batu Caves, Selangor.
Kamal said he and Ong were part of a “human library” project comprising former servicemen who meet often at the National Monument to exchange their experiences to be documented.
“Listening to Otto’s spine-chilling experiences when escaping near death episodes in the deep jungles showed that the F Force members were there with passion to stop the CPM from destroying the country,” Kamal said.
The F Force, widely known as the F Team, was disbanded in 1992. Records on the force were officially declassified only in 2016.
“Ong was a very humble and down to earth human being who did not seek recognition. That’s him, always staying away from the limelight despite his huge contributions,” Kamal said.
Ong joined the army in 1957 as an enlisted man in what was to become the Royal Armoured Corps. He served with distinction and honour in Congo, during the Indonesian Confrontation and the communist insurgency. He retired in 1986 as the commanding officer of the 2nd armoured regiment.
Raja described Ong as an embodiment of leadership, professionalism and compassion. As a commanding officer, he was firm yet fair, and set high standards for those under his wing, ensuring discipline and excellence were never compromised.
Otto Ong with his former colleague Joseph Raja at a meeting earlier this year.
“Many who served under him will remember not only the lessons of discipline but also the warmth of his concern, which created a strong sense of camaraderie and family within the unit,” said Raja.
“His wit and jovial nature reminded everyone that while soldiering was a serious duty, it was equally important to find moments of joy and humanity. It is this balance of strength and softness, of discipline and humour, that defined him as an outstanding leader,” he told FMT.
A family’s sacrifice
Ong’s daughter Lynette recalled the days and months that her family endured without her father at home. She said her mother held the fort in his long absence.
Her mother, retired DSP Florence Auyong Kim Pau, was among the second batch of women police officers in Malaysia. “Being a police officer, she understood the risks and seriousness of my father’s duties, more so as my father was not able to share any details of his assignment as secrecy was maintained at all costs.
‘We were not told where he was nor what he was doing. Our daily night prayers would always include him. It was indeed difficult for us but we came to realise he was doing this for the safety and sovereignty of the nation,” she told FMT.
Asked if her father should be awarded one of the top two bravery awards posthumously, Lynette said it should be left to the discretion of the powers that be, adding that his brave acts were all on record.
“My father was a very humble man who did not like to blow his own trumpet. Deep inside, we are very proud of his contributions while risking his own life for the safety of Malaysians. It was always service before self,” she said.
“Many who served under him will remember not only the lessons of discipline but also the warmth of his concern, which created a strong sense of camaraderie and family within the unit,” said Raja.
“His wit and jovial nature reminded everyone that while soldiering was a serious duty, it was equally important to find moments of joy and humanity. It is this balance of strength and softness, of discipline and humour, that defined him as an outstanding leader,” he told FMT.
A family’s sacrifice
Ong’s daughter Lynette recalled the days and months that her family endured without her father at home. She said her mother held the fort in his long absence.
Her mother, retired DSP Florence Auyong Kim Pau, was among the second batch of women police officers in Malaysia. “Being a police officer, she understood the risks and seriousness of my father’s duties, more so as my father was not able to share any details of his assignment as secrecy was maintained at all costs.
‘We were not told where he was nor what he was doing. Our daily night prayers would always include him. It was indeed difficult for us but we came to realise he was doing this for the safety and sovereignty of the nation,” she told FMT.
Asked if her father should be awarded one of the top two bravery awards posthumously, Lynette said it should be left to the discretion of the powers that be, adding that his brave acts were all on record.
“My father was a very humble man who did not like to blow his own trumpet. Deep inside, we are very proud of his contributions while risking his own life for the safety of Malaysians. It was always service before self,” she said.
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