Also, we believed that they achieved what they want to achieved, through pure determined of course, and no they do not arise only from some 'special' circumstances as heros are present in our everyday lives, helping people.
Being the new British Commissioner, he has effective control of the police and all services of the armed forces as Director of Operations. No British soldier had been given such extensive powers since Cromwell, general and leader of the Parliamentary forces during the 17th Century English Civil War. This shows that he is indeed capable.
Templer had received orders to push for immediate reforms to give ethnic Chinese residents the right to vote. He also sped up recruitment into the Malayan army, increasing the number of Battalions to seven. He made it clear that the economic and social instability caused by the conflict itself was the main barrier to independence.
The ‘conflict’ mentioned here is the reactivation of the World War Two units of its Malayan Peoples’ Anti-Japanese Army, renamed as the Malayan Peoples’ Anti-British Army (later changed again to the Malayan Races Liberation Army) with the aim of driving out the British and establishing a Communist republic in Malaya. Armed bands struck at the British and their supporters, dubbed “running dogs”, in hit-and-run attacks and then disappeared into the jungle.
Templer began his "hearts and minds campaign" by offering reward money to any civilians detecting guerrillas and having British soldiers provide medical treatment and food aid to Malays and indigenous Sakai tribes. At the same time British forces stepped up the pressure on MNLA (also known as the Malayan National Liberation Army/ Malayan Races Liberation Army) guerillas by increasing their jungle patrols. This drives the MNLA deeper into the jungle and cut them off from their supplies.
He is a hero because he helped the Malayans with their country’s independence and tried his best to give the ethnic Chinese their right to vote. Most importantly, he cared for the farewell of people from different races and religions, and maintained peace and harmony among the people of different races and religions, and get rid of MNLA and communities who are wrecking havocs and prevailing peace. He is selfless, and does not hope for anything in return. Many people benefited from him as a result of his hard work. Also, he faced many difficulties and objections when carrying out his beliefs, yet he does not give up.
He is a excellent role model and indeed a extraordinary hero, and we all respect him for his selflessness and moral excellence.
Video:
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=65212
Sources:
http://www.poachers.org.uk/malayemerg.shtml
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?45252-Lieutenant-General-Sir-Gerald-Templer
Done By:
Chong Kia Yee (6)
Gao Tingting (8)
Lee Siyu (14)
Grace Lian (15)
Lin Ying (16)
Wong Chen Lan (22)
I strongly agree with group 7 in saying that a true hero is someone who is courageous and self-sacrificing. I think that a hero is one that is excellent in their moral values and also has a good and resilient attitude. Similarly, a hero must not have a lack of determination as this trait is significant in distinguishing a real hero from a normal being. Heroes strive for what they want to achieve by helping and aiding people. Moreover, in group 7’s post, they mentioned that the capability of Templer led to a better and fair life of ethnic Chinese resident by giving them the right to vote etc, which stabilised the economy and society.
ReplyDeleteTempler also did things without being asked. Yes, it was his duty, but he started the "hearts and minds campaign", just because he wanted to help the people, not because it will look good to his betters. It is also widely known that during that period, the British was selfish and him, having the heart to help Malaya to become an independent country, states that he is not selfish as he is willing to go through tedious matters to help Malaya. He also looked into the fact why Malaya could not be an independent country and there are not many benefits he could get from Malaya being an independent country too. He really helped them from their hearts. He did receiver money, so, with all his hard work, he should be repay. Tell me, which British would actually do that? Yes, they will do the job but it will be just on the surface, not really looking into the matter, therefore, Templer is a true hero. I truly salute to Templer for being a true hero and the first ever British for not thinking about his own benefits, but for others.