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The Thong Family – Bernard Thong
Bernard Thong Kwong Sin was born in Taiping in 1932. His father, Peter Thong (son of Paul Thong), was a miner. Bernard Thong’s early education was in Batu Gajah, Perak. He later continued his studies at Anderson School and St Michael's Institution in Ipoh. He joined the police force in 1953.
He is said to have been inspired by his wife’s father, who was an assistant commissioner – his father-in-law had advised him to complete his Senior Cambridge exam before joining the force, so as to qualify for the rank of permanent inspector. It was during the Malayan Emergency that Bernard became an inspector in the Special Branch. He was involved in many Q-Operations (going undercover and infiltrating CT camps):
in the 1957 operation in Behrang Forest, he and 10 men located the hideout of the notorious Chee Loy. After much negotiation, Chee Loy and his gang later surrendered.
Thong was also involved in the operation that resulted in the killing of Lee Teck (in Pahang) and Choy Foong (in Langkap, Teluk Anson). Both Lee and Choy had planned the ambush which killed Michael Codner (the Assistant District Officer of Tanjung Malim) and 13 others in 1952, while they were investigating a broken water pipe-line.
In 1961, Bernard left the force and became the superintendent of Taman Negara (the National Park). He opened the 1st jungle trail in the park and was responsible for protecting the wildlife. He was wary of poachers, and for safety’s sake he taught his family how to shoot as well as jungle survival tactics. In 1966, he was posted as Acting Chief Game Warden of Malaya in Seremban; and 5 years later Game Warden in Perak, until his retirement in 1982.
Due to his Special Branch training and experience during the Q-Operations, he was always cautious about his movements: he would leave his house using one route and return via an alternative route; in public place he would site facing the entrance with his back towards to wall, so as to prevent anyone from sneaking up on him.
Though not accordingly, Bernard’s contribution to society was rewarded (twice) with the Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan (JPP) medal as well as the Bar for Gallantry. In his own words, Bernard feels that “the younger generation needs to know about the country’s history and the sacrifices of lives, enabling them to enjoy peace and prosperity”.
Bernard Thong passed away on 9 November 2002, leaving behind his wife – Mary Tang Yook Leng – and his four children: Hubert Thong, Cecilia Thong, Celestine Thong and Rita Thong.
The picture on the left shows Bernard, with his decorative medals. On the right is a picture of Bernard and his sisters, with his mother (Mary Chong Pat Moy) seated in the front. Standing from left to right are: Bernice Thong, Juanita Thong, Winnie Thong and Bernard Thong.
To read Bernard Thong’s article on the Q-Operations, click here.
To read about the ambush on Michael Codner, click here.
To read Dato Seri Yuen Yuet Leng’s tribute to Bernard Thong, click here.
To read more about Peter Thong, click here.
To read more about Paul Thong (the Grandfather), click here.