Back to Batu Pahat, a story of the 1 Fijian Infantry Regiment that served in Malaysia then Malaya from 1952 to 1956 alongside the Commonwealth troops during the Malayan Emergency was screened on 31 August 2023. Friendships were further strengthened when guests from the private sector, business community, and academia that streamed through the door at the start time bonded over lepat pisang (steamed banana packets), pulut serunding kelapa (glutinous rice and coconut floss), kek batik, kuih da dar, cassava muffins, fried dumplings, and teh tarik (Malaysian pulled tea).
Since the High Commission of #Malaysia in #Suva, #Fiji (MW Suva) collaborated with Ambassade de France aux Fidji - France in Fiji and Alliance Française de Suva (AF) for the screening, Manuel Bettoni, Director of AF introduced the Chargé d'Affaires Ad Interim of the High Commission of Malaysia in Suva (CDA). In his speech, the CDA mentioned that the theme for the National Day and Malaysia Day 2023 celebration is “Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope”. This theme is in line with the determination and commitment of developing Malaysia with the people being united, possessing a high spirit of unity, and living in peace and prosperity. The pre-recorded message from Back to Batu Pahat filmmaker, Lt. Commander (R) David Velu, who was involved in the production from start to finish, provided a personal touch. In that recording, he hoped the audience would have a wonderful time viewing the documentary which tells the important story of the courage of the Fijian soldiers who came to the aid of Malaysia — an account that must be kept in the annals of history.
In the post screening discussion moderated by the Director of the Pacific Human Rights Film Festival, the international crowd, including Malaysians, metabolized the content of the documentary by discussing the impact of the Fijian soldiers as well as sharing their perspectives and insights related to the subject matter. This screening on 31 August 2023 generated interest in Malaysia, the documentary, and the impact of Fiji in Malaysia. Many thanks to FINAS Malaysia as well for the permission granted to screen the documentary.
