AFTER reading your report in the “Heroes in Blue” series (NST, May 17), I wondered: what about remembering those heroes of yesteryear who were unfortunate enough to have names that don’t sound Malaysian but were just as Malaysian as the next man?

For example, my father.

His name was Lt-Col (R) Malcolm Alexander Campbell. He had one of the most un-Malaysian names you can find but was one of the most patriotic Malaysians I have ever had the good fortune to know.

In fact, he never once said a bad thing about his beloved country and never allowed anyone else to badmouth his country.

He was born in Malaysia just like both his parents before him. In fact, his family has been in Malaysia for about 100 years.

He joined the army and served his country with distinction and bravery. He served in the Congo and was one of the heroes in Malaysia’s struggle against the communist insurgents. He had many medals to prove it, including the K.M.N.

He was a leader who was respected and admired by all who served with and under him. We keep meeting people who still remember him fondly.

ELEANOR A. CAMPBELL, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – May 20, 2008