From shiny buttons to epic tales, uniforms hook children into Malaysia’s history and defence story

In an effort to engage the younger generation, the Persatuan Peminat Sejarah Pahlawan (PSP) has found a unique way to introduce Malaysia's history and defense story. Sergeant Ammar Kamaruddin, the PSP secretary, suggested that uniforms serve as an effective 'bridge' for connecting children with the sacrifices and achievements of past security personnel.

According to Ammar, uniforms can be the starting point for children to develop an appreciation of history, including World War II and the forces involved. The PSP has taken advantage of this approach by participating in various historical and military-related events, such as National Day celebrations and the Malay Armed Forces (MAF) Day.

By displaying and explaining the history and purpose of the uniforms, the PSP aims to cultivate an interest in history among children and their parents. Ammar, who is also a member of the Territorial Army, explained that face-to-face interactions allow the public to see the uniforms and understand the timeline and forces associated with them.

The PSP has more than 20 members with diverse backgrounds, including former military personnel, police officers, and private sector employees. They actively participate in National Day parades at the Negeri Sembilan level, wearing their uniforms and contributing to the event's vibrancy. This participation, which began last year, is a non-governmental effort supported by the MAF to bring the celebration to life.

Ammar emphasized that sharing history is crucial to ensuring that the sacrifices and services of past security personnel are remembered. Many of the association's members have family connections to the military, with some fathers having participated in operations and facing challenges in balancing their duties and family life. Ammar stressed that understanding history helps the current generation appreciate the struggles of the past, such as the fight for independence and the defense of the country.

By remembering the efforts of past fighters, society can maintain harmony among different races, as the struggle for defense involves various communities. Additionally, Ammar highlighted that the Orang Asli community should not be overlooked in Malaysia's defense history, as they played a significant role in helping to safeguard the nation in the past.

The PSP also extends its support to military-related film productions by offering uniforms and historical references involving security forces.