The “Communist” Role I Played: Undercover During the 2nd Malayan Emergency (1968-1989)
9 September 2026
4pm to 5:30pm
Karpal Singh Hall, St. Xavier’s Institution
Event Summary
On September 9, Penang Institute hosted Datuk Paul Kiong, a proud Xavierian, at St. Xavier’s Institution for a talk titled “The ‘Communist’ Role I Played: Undercover During the 2nd Malayan Emergency (1968-1989).” Kiong shared his experiences serving as an undercover operative for the Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch. For his remarkable bravery and contributions to the nation, he received the Grand Knight of Valour (Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa, SP) in 1983, Malaysia’s highest gallantry award. To date, only 30 individuals have received this prestigious honour.
An Ipoh native, Kiong joined the police in the 1960s and later moved to the Special Branch. Over six perilous years in the Perak jungles, he maintained a dangerous double life as a food supplier and sympathiser to infiltrate the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), working to disrupt their supply lines, intercept communications and transport insurgents.
Opening the session, Kiong noted that while many Malaysians are familiar with the First Malayan Emergency (1948 to 1960), the Second Emergency (1968 to 1989) is far less known. He detailed the strategy and caution required to survive undercover: living among the communists, eating their food, adopting their speech and earning their trust.
He explained that the primary mission of the Special Branch was to dismantle communist activities while avoiding bloodshed whenever possible. Operatives offered insurgents a chance at a new life, an approach that required immense courage, wisdom and compassion for fellow Malaysians. Kiong also reflected on the personal toll of his work, noting that being separated from his family fueled his determination to return safely.
Throughout his journey, he demonstrated exceptional intelligence and tactical wisdom. He further highlighted how his multi-racial teammates in the Special Branch worked together on these high-risk operations to secure the country as a whole.
During the Q&A session, an audience member asked how Kiong, who is English-educated, communicated with and convinced communists who were predominantly Mandarin-speaking Malaysian Chinese. Kiong explained that he spoke Cantonese and Hakka, which enabled effective communication with the insurgents.
The audience responded warmly to Kiong’s valuable insights and his past service to the country. He concluded by reminding everyone not to take Malaysia’s peace and harmony for granted, emphasising that it was built upon the hard work, sacrifice and courage of many people who must always be cherished.
Note: There is no live streaming for this event. However, a recording is available on the Penang Institute YouTube channel
Abstract
In 1944, Datuk Paul Kiong was born in Ipoh, Malaysia, into a world marked by conflict and uncertainty. His journey led him to dedicate 31 years to the Royal Malaysia Police, where he operated deep within the jungles of Perak during the Second Emergency. Undercover as a food supplier and messenger, he lived a precarious double life, often sleeping in hammocks and subsisting on rats and monkeys to maintain his cover.
Rather than relying on conventional firepower, Datuk Paul utilized trust and negotiation as his primary tools. He took significant risks, frequently venturing into the wilderness alongside former insurgents to engage with active guerrillas. This strategy proved remarkably effective, leading to the capture of all 43 members of the elite Fifth Assault Unit without firing a single shot.
For his exceptional courage and ingenuity, he was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) in 1983, Malaysia’s highest gallantry award. This introduction delves into Datuk Paul’s remarkable journey, illustrating his commitment to preserving stability and his enduring impact on Malaysia’s security landscape.
Biography of Speaker
Datuk Paul Kiong is a retired Superintendent of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) having served with distinction until 1998. He had served in the police Special Branch for 31 years mainly in the states of Johor and Perak.
He is one of only four living recipients of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), Malaysia’s highest gallantry award for extreme bravery.
During the 2nd Malayan Communist Emergency from 1968 to 1989, Datuk Paul Kiong served in undercover operations against communist insurgents in the urban and jungle areas of Perak state. His first-hand experiences, courage and dedication to national security are documented in his book “ The Communist Role I Played”.
Through this book, Datuk Paul Kiong aims to preserve and put on record Malaysia’s history and to honor the sacrifices of those who served to protect peace and sovereignty of the nation.