Rudyard Kipling"
“When you're left wounded on Afganistan's plains and
the women come out to cut up what remains, Just roll to your rifle
and blow out your brains,
And go to your God like a soldier”
General Douglas MacArthur"
“We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”
“It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.” “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.
“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and be the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
“May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't .” “The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.
“Nobody ever defended, there is only attack and attack and attack some more.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass
"Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint."
I've had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,
The Soldier squared his shoulders and said
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
55 years on, cycling legend Joo Ngan will finally get his cash prize by Frankie D'Cruz
Friday, September 05, 2025
FMT : National cycling federation becomes the first to repay RM5,000 to an athlete of the year. Others must now follow. PETALING JAYA: Cycling icon Ng Joo Ngan will finally receive the full RM5,000 prize promised to him in 1970 when he was named Malaysia’s sportsman of the year.
Back then, he was given only RM500. The balance was said to have been diverted to the federation, and for 55 years the money never came.
Yesterday, that wrong was finally set right.
The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), led by Amarjit Singh Gill, has become the first sports body to make good on its debt.
In doing so, it has set a standard others can no longer ignore. “Legends like Joo Ngan carried Malaysia’s name when resources were scarce and recognition was limited,” said Amarjit. “If we cannot honour them properly now, what message are we sending to the younger generation?
“Treating our past athletes with dignity
inspires future athletes to give their all for the country. Investing in
integrity is investing in the future of sport.“When young athletes see that those who
built the foundation are respected, they will know that their sacrifices
too will be remembered.”
Amarjit explained that the late MNCF
secretary Shaharudin Jaffar had told Ng in 1970 he would receive RM500,
with the rest channelled to the federation. “With Shahruddin no longer alive, the
details cannot be verified,” he said. “But in recognition of Joo Ngan’s
contribution, and based on his representation in good faith, MNCF will
extend the balance to him.
“This is not about paperwork. It is about
doing the right thing,” added Amarjit, who is the son of Darshan Singh
Gill, a former national and international administrator. He said that the national sports council
(NSC) could not have been consulted on the matter as it was only
established in 1971, a year after Ng’s award.
A long wait ends
Ng’s voice trembled with emotion when
asked what the repayment meant. “It is not the amount,” he said. “When
you honour your word, you honour the nation.” For Ng, the news is both vindication and relief. “Finally, after 55 years. Thank you MNCF, thank you FMT,” he said.
“I thought I would never see this day. This means so much, not just for me but for all who have served Malaysia selflessly. “We gave our best years to the nation.
What we ask in return is trust, fairness, and recognition. This gesture
restores a little of that faith.”
Ng was clear that his repayment must be a beginning, not the end. “I am grateful. But I also hope other associations will do the same for the athletes who are still waiting. “We carried Malaysia on our shoulders. Now, Malaysia must carry its responsibility to us.”
Ng
Joo Ngan (left) and Daud Ibrahim fired cycling into the mainframe of
Malaysian sport. They were duly voted back-to-back sportsman of the year
in 1970 and 1971, respectively. (Code Computer Design pic)
A true champion
Before cycling became a serious sport in
Malaysia, it was Ng Joo Ngan and Daud Ibrahim who wheeled the country
into international recognition. Ng represented Malaysia at the 1964 and
1968 Olympics. He won gold at the Asian Games and SEAP Games. His
brother, Joo Pong, also rode for the nation.
To this day, Ng trains young riders, determined that the spirit of discipline and sacrifice endures. “I want them to love the sport as I did,”
he said. “And I want them to know that honesty matters in sport — on
the track and off it.”
At 79, Ng Joo Ngan still finds purpose in shaping Malaysia’s next generation of cyclists. (Ng Joo Ngan pic)
A contrast with others
The sincerity in Amarjit’s words stands in contrast to the responses elsewhere. Hockey legend M Mahendran revealed he
received just RM170 of his RM5,000 prize. Nine athletics icons never saw
a cent. Bowling great JB Koo claimed his entire award was withheld.
Badminton icon Sylvia Ng said she got nothing at all.
For now, badminton, bowling and athletics have pledged to investigate. Hockey has yet to respond. Now, one broken promise has finally been mended. Cycling has shown the way.
The question is whether others will follow, or whether they will deepen the disgrace.
