‘Nda manah mimpi’: Sarawak Governor Wan Junaidi recalls haunting 1971 communist ambush

On August 27, Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar reflected on a haunting 1971 communist ambush that occurred during his service with the Jungle Squad. The phrase "Nda manah mimpi... anang baka nyak," which translates to "The dream does not bode well... don’t do it," remains etched in his memory after more than 50 years.

The incident took place in Tulai, Sarawak, when Wan Junaidi, then an Inspector, led his platoon to hunt communist terrorists. The operation was ordered after a team stationed at Tulai came under an ambush, leaving two Jungle Squad personnel dead and six others seriously injured. As Wan Junaidi's platoon prepared to move out, one of their men, Constable Jabu Ajai, was found asleep.

To ensure that he woke up, Jabu was kicked until he awoke, despite having reported a nightmare. This incident later proved crucial, as Jabu fell during the mission, and his close friend, Corporal Majani, was driven to kill the civilians in the house where they believed the communists were hiding. Wan Junaidi intervened and prevented Majani from acting on his anger, emphasizing the importance of humanity and the safety of civilians during wartime.

This experience, among others, taught Wan Junaidi the significance of discipline, emotional control, and humanity while serving as a Jungle Squad officer.