From Candidate to New Boy

When school reopened in January 1972, I was offered to continue my studies in the 4th form at the Malay College, Kuala Kangsar. I turned down the offer because, after reading an article in a magazine about the RMC a few months before, reading about a boy from Taiping winning the 1971 Commandant's Prize and listening to stories told by a neighbour who was about to leave for Australia to continue his studies, I've made up my mind to join the Boys' Wing, Royal Military College.

The Commandant's Prize winner was OP Samuel Ong Boon Leng (LMO 020, C Coy 68-71) and the neighbour was OP Abu Bakar Salleh (LMA 204, D Coy 67-70) who told me that, besides getting everything free (even underwear), I would get an allowance. My late father was about to retire after serving 21 years in the army so, money-wise, the RMC was a better option.

I can't remember much about the selection. We were called 'Candidates' and had to go through a process that included a medical check up, physical fitness test, teamwork/leadership assessment and sports evaluation where we were assessed on our ability play a sport of our choice, in my case it was soccer.

Shortlisted candidates were then interviewed by an Interview Board after which we were sent home to wait for the result. I was studying at the Technical Institute in Penang when I got the news that I had been accepted into the Boys' Wing of the Royal Military College.

I took the train at Taiping with Zainal Abidin Hamdan, the late Yusof Alias and Abdul Aziz Saad. At Kuala Lumpur station we boarded 3 tonners to Sg. Besi. When we arrived, I knew my life would be forever changed when, for the first time, I heard the sickening shout NEW BOY!!!!!!!!!!

OP Jamalus Ramli F Coy

Farewell OP Leong Wee Kuan

On Saturday February 21st 2009, we lost another member of RMC72OP. OP Leong Wee Kuan (388115, G Coy, 72-75) passed away in Pekan Baru, Indonesia of a heart attack.

A true sportsman and a gentleman, OP Leong represented the RMC at hockey, basketball and cricket. He was well-liked by all those who had the privilege of knowing. We have indeed lost a good friend.


Several OPs paid their last respects and gave the traditional Last Salute. Farewell OP Leong Wee Kuan, Rest In Peace.

The following are some messages from RMC72OP:

He is my good buddy. Almost everyone in G-coy would certainly remember Leong as a very nice friend. (OP Dr Ismail Yaacob G-Coy).

I was his room mate in G-3, G company. But we hardly met and talked becoz he was always bz playing hockey or away with clubs' activities especially during our new boy's year. Nevertheless, I can recall his friendliness, his commitment to studies and his mind-own bizness attitudes. I never met him since i left college in Dec 1973. May his family remain calm and continue to be patient. (OP Abd Manaf Kasmuri G-Coy)

Sad to know that OP Leong Wee Kuan has passed away. I just wrote an email to him few weeks ago but did not get any reply. I was just talking about him last Thursday when I met a few Ops in one of our gatherings in Melbourne. OP Leong was in the Christian fellowship with me so I knew him well. We used to go to Trinity Methodist church in P.J. together in the Army truck on Sundays and attended the Church gathering there.

When I was contemplating my next career move in 2002 & 2003, he was kind enough to invite me to Pekan Baru, where there were some opportunities he may offer to me. He was also kind enough to send me a file when I was practising in Sitiawan recently. What a great friend he was. I was really shocked to hear such a sad piece of news yesterday. Please convey my message of condolence to his family on my behalf. (OP Lau Eng Lee F-Coy)

Very sad indeed. I knew him well, great Hockey player as was the college team of our days (college Blue if I am not mistaken) and good friend. Unlike a lot of you guys, I only get to meet OP's once in a while, but I do keep in touch through the group. Condolences to the family. (OP Norman Manan B-Coy)

I am not in KL and will only come back on Thursday.Kindly convey my condolence to his family.Played hockey with him, however he was the forward and I was the fullback and our close neighbour , he was one floor up at G while I was in H. Met him only a few time after college.We will miss him. (OP Yusof Ramli H/A-Coy)

Very sad indeed. He always wanted to move back to Malaysia but could not find one that suits his position. Always been a very good person and indeed a lost. I played hockey with him and my partner in attack. I’m lost for word that we could not meet more often...Condolence to his family. Please let me know when you guys are going and where to pay our last respect. (OP Zulkifli Ibrahim B-Coy)