THE MEMOIRS OF MUSTAPHA HUSSAIN - Malaysia Today

Japanese Reject Independence for Malaya 193
‘Asia for the Asians’ is empty talk.” Stepping out of the room, I told
myself, “I must find another way to free Malaya from colonialists.”
Strangely, Ibrahim later admonished me for demanding Malaya’s
Independence from the Japanese. 12 This happened in Singapore on 16
February, a day after the capitulation of Singapore. He snarled at me,
“What? Are you crazy? You are lucky not to have been beheaded.” I
replied, “I was not crazy, and if my head is appropriate to adorn some
junction in Singapore, go ahead, cut it off. What I had demanded from
the Japanese was my right! What is the use of us forming KMM if not
to clinch Independence? I am willing to lose more for the sake of Independence.
I have every right!”
After the Japanese rebuff of KMM’s demand, without their knowledge
I formed a body called the KMM Youth Front or Badan Pemuda
KMM. It was made up of members – Onan, M. N. Othman, Abdul Kadir
Adabi, Hamzah Alang, Abdul Rahman Tambi, Johar bin Kerong, Hamzah
Tajuddin, Mohd Mustafa bin Ali, Ahmad bin Mohd Amin, Zainal Abidin
Kassim, Kiman, Saidi Hashim and many others whose names I have
forgotten. I was Chairman but this authority would later be handed to
Ibrahim. For secrecy and security, we maintained our normal KMM
appearance. We hoped this front could later be activated to counter the
Japanese. That, in fact, was our main motivation.
I reminded KMM members, “You must all, from now on, keep in
mind that KMM has been used by the Japanese for their own interests.
Japan is also a colonial power. We will now carry on to Singapore, to
free our friends from British prisons! After that, we will reorganise as a
front to counter the Japanese. In our move south, do be careful. Do not
lose your lives in support of the Japanese cause.”
Kuala Lumpur in January and Early February 1942
I wanted KMM to be many things: a vehicle towards Independence, a
body supported by all Malays, and a saviour for Malays caught in a war
between two colonial powers. For KMM to be supported by Malays at
all levels, it must be honourable, just, nationalistic and humane. KMM’s
connection with the Japanese would be used to save Malay lives, chastity
and property.
Japanese atrocities were plain for all to see. Four human heads were
displayed on spikes along Batu Road near the Jalan Ipoh-Jalan Raja Muda
junction. A mischievous Japanese soldier had stuck ‘Craven A’ cigarettes
in their mouths, exposing gold-capped teeth. But was the public scared
by these ghoulish exhibits? Just across the street, gaming tables were