Adnan Bin Saidi
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| Adnan bin Saidi | |
|---|---|
| 1915 - February 14, 1942 | |
 Adnan bin Saiddi |
|
| Place of birth |  Kajang, Selangor |
| Place of death | Pasir Panjang, Singapore |
| Allegiance | Royal Malay Regiment |
| Years of service | 1933 - 1942 |
| Rank | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Unit | 7th Platoon, C Company, 1st Malay Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Pasir Panjang |
| Awards | best recruit in the malay Regiment (3 British medals) |
Adnan Bin Saidi, (1915 - February 14, 1942), was a Malayan soldier of the 1st Infantry Brigade which fought the Japanese in the Battle of Singapore. He is regarded by Malaysians and Singaporeans today as a hero for his actions on Bukit Chandu.
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[edit] Personal life
Saidi was born at Kajang, Selangor and was a Muslim of Minangkabau descent. He was the eldest in his family. His younger siblings, Ahmad Saidi and Amarullah Saidi were soldiers as well. Ahmad was killed in action after his ship, the HMS Pelanduk, was sunk by the Japanese enroute to Australia. Amarullah survived the war and he now resides in Kajang, Selangor.
Adnan was married to wife Sophia Pakir, an Islamic religious teacher. She died in 1949. They had two sons and a daughter, who died soon after birth. Their sons, Mokhtar and Zainudin Adnan now live in Seremban and Johore respectively.
Adnan had a good friend named Imran Omar who fought with him all along until his death.
| “ | My father did not talk a lot. He was a firm man and believed in discipline. He was always serious and fierce… yet had a good heart. There seemed to be a ‘light’ illuminating his face. - Mokhtar Adnan, Saidi's son | ” |
[edit] Battle of Pasir Panjang
Adnan led a 42-strong platoon from the Malay Regiment in the defense of Singapore against the Japanese invaders. The soldiers fought at the Battle of Pasir Panjang, at Pasir Panjang Ridge in the Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill) area on February 12-14, 1942. Although heavily outnumbered, Adnan refused to surrender and urged his men to fight until the end. They held off the Japanese for two days amid heavy enemy shelling and shortages of food and ammunition. Adnan was shot but carried on fighting. After the battle was lost, the wounded Adnan was taken prisoner by Japanese soldiers, who tied him to a rubber tree and bayoneted him to death.
Because of his actions at Bukit Chandu, Saidi is currently considered by Malaysians and Singaporeans today as a hero. He is also credited as the soldier who caught the disguised Indian troops' marching error.
When Singapore surrendered, the Japanese Kempeitai attempted but failed to find and murder Saidi's family in revenge of Bukit Chandu.
Kent Ridge Park, close to the site of the battle now bears a plaque in commemoration of Lt Adnan Bin Saidi. A museum at Bukit Chandu stands in memory of the bravery of Malay Regiment soldiers. This regiment would later become the Royal Malay Regiment of the Royal Malaysian Army.
[edit] Portrayal in film
Adnan was portrayed by actor Hairie Othman in the 2000 film Leftenan Adnan. He was also portrayed by an unknown Malay actor in the TV series A War Diary. Aaron Aziz is the latest actor to have portrayed him in Life Story, which also covers his personal life.[1]
