History cannot ignore the fact that the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) had also played a role in fighting for the independence of this country, said a PAS think-tank.

In a ground-breaking article published in the party organ Harakahdaily.net on Sunday, the PAS research centre said CPM had been active in its campaign for independence since its formation in May 1930.

"During the Japanese rule, (CPM secretary-general) Chin Peng ( photo ) and his comrades were one of the bravest groups to have fought against the Japanese.

"They lived in the middle of the jungle, slept on the ground with only the sky as their roof in order to battle the Japanese and to search for true independence. Is it fair to ignore their contribution now?"

The centre said CPM's struggle did not end with the Japanese as they also waged an armed struggle against the British for independence.

It said while CPM wanted to form a communist state - which was rejected by both the Malay community and Islam - it is however wrong not to acknowledge the party's contribution to the nation's quest for independence.

Include all who fought

In view of this, the centre said it is vital that all historical facts pertaining to independence be included.

The struggle should not be confined to only those at the negotiation table, but also encompass those who were willing to give up their lives to fight for independence, it added.

"Before Tunku Abdul Rahman chanted 'Merdeka' on Aug 31, 1957, the call was already resonating, and many historical episodes were being played not only by Umno and the Alliance.

"CPM and banned Malay nationalist parties took up arms against the British. Abdullah CD, Rashid Mydin, Shamsiah Fakeh and Musa Ahmad were among the leaders who fought for independence."

CPM gave up arms following its peace treaty with the governments of Malaysia and Thailand, signed on Dec 2, 1989 at the southern Thai city of Haadyai.

Chin Peng, who is currently living in Thailand, is embroiled in a legal struggle with the Malaysian government over his bid to return to this country.

Meanwhile, the PAS research centre also said that history showed the existence of Malay nationalist parties which were well ahead of Umno in the struggle for independence.

These were Persatuan Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM), Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API), Angkatan Wanita Sedar (Awas), Baris Tani Se-Malaya (Batas) and the Majlis Tertinggi Se-Malaya (Mata).

The centre said Merdeka celebrations would have a greater meaning when the people learn and accept the true picture of our independence struggle.

When this happens, it added, the government would no longer have to repeatedly remind the people of the Merdeka celebrations as "it (the celebrations) would belong to all Malaysians".