Kamarulzaman Teh
Kamarulzaman Teh (15 January 1920 - 5 November 2002) whom was detained in the prison in Federation of Malaya for 22 years is the longest political detainee in Malaysia's history. He was the leader of Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API) whom fought the Japanese during the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
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Early life
Kamarulzaman was born under a family of Malay farmers in Temerloh, Pahang. Kamarulzaman joined Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM) during the Japanese Occupation in Malaya to fight against the Japanese army. He was very keen towards the party as he sees socialism as way out to destroy the poverty in his state due to land owners' taxation. He was also attracted to guerrilla warfare which he thought of it as the most effective way to counter Imperial Japanese army. Ultimately, he was elected as the head of youth wing in Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API) of Pahang.
Incarceration and Charge
During the Malayan Emergency in 1948, the British caught Kamarulzaman in a bas station in Temerloh, without further inspection. He was also charged for owning firearm. He was sentenced to death by hanging, but was later pleaded royal pardon from the Sultan of Pahang. His charge was reduced to life imprisonment instead. He spent the following 14 years in the prison at Temerloh.Following the departure of the British, he was released, but placed under surveillance. However his freedom was short-lived as he was arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act for another eight years.
Release from prison
Following his release, Kamarulzaman joined Parti Sosialis Rakyat Malaysia (now Parti Rakyat Malaysia) and contested unsuccessfully for election in 1974. Even with his loss, he was actively involved in PRM throughout the seventies.
Health
Kamarulzaman health slowly deterriorated. Because of his family having difficulties paying up his hospital bills, he was taken care of by his adopted sister and her husband. He was put in an old folks home in Kuala Lumpur. His health worsen in July 2002. He was transferred from Kuala Lumpur back to his hometown in Temerloh.
Reunion and death
After returning to Temerloh, he went to southern part of Thailand to reunite with his old friends whom he shared his fight with. His friends include, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Malaya, Abdullah CD and Chin Peng. He also reunite with his friend Rashid Maidin when Rashid visited him in the old folks home. At that time, whom was immobile and no longer able to recognise people due to his severe health problems.[1] He died in Thailand at time 10.30 am, 5 November 2002. He was buried in the Muslim graveyard at Narathiwat Province at the same day.
