Malbatt: Misi Bakara

"If you don't write your story, someone else will write it for you." -- Asia Jofrie

My late mother's words reiterated the very important point why we must tell our story. Lest someone else tells our story (distorted or untrue) or our story will be forgotten through the passage of time.

Malbatt is the story of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) that was part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in 1993. Malbatt participated in the mission alongside the United States and Pakistani military forces at Mogadishu, Somalia. Their mission was to rescue trapped American soldiers following the Black Hawk Down attack. The Pakistan forces withdrew leaving Malbatt to carry on the rescue. Apparently, the US forces attempted the mission four times but failed. However, Malbatt's bravery was neither mentioned in Ridley Scott’s film nor was officially acknowledged by the US (until some 20 years later).

According to the film director, Adrian Teh, “This is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, war story of our lifetime. It is my honour to tell this story.”

Tabik spring (Salute) to Adrian Teh (Paskal) and everyone involved in the production! Although I am not Malaysian (but I am a Malay) I feel proud of the Malbatt team. Their story deserved to be told and remembered.

Gua caya lu, Melayu! 

https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2023/08/25/malaysia039s-contribution-in-1993-mission-in-mogadishu-made-into-movie-039malbatt-misi-bakara039