Although Mat Kilau's resistance did not successfully impede the British's advance, at least it made the British understand not to underestimate the ability of the local people who possess their own internal strengths, as demonstrated by Mat Kilau. According to official sources available at the National Archives of Malaysia, the British administration was forced to spend large sum of money to hire additional Sikh police service to assist in fighting the local resistance (there are nearly 200 files in the National Archives collection related to Mat Kilau and the upheaval in Pahang available for reference). The British also needed additional expenses to construct defensive fortifications, bridges and to provide weapons as well as financing expeditions to hunt the local rebels. This clearly demonstrates the threats and the pressures faced by the British, although the local rebels were made up of untrained villagers whom did not own sophisticated weaponries to match the guns and machineries of the British. We should be proud to know that they were only equipped with high fighting spirits and undivided love for the country.

    If Malaysians possess the spirit of patriotism and resilience as Mat Kilau, then we do not need to create institutions to inculcate the spirit of patriotism and love for the country such as the National Civics Bureau, the National Service Training Programme and others. However, due to the fact that many of us tend to forget the history of the nation's struggles as well as having poor sense of identity, the government established the National Civics Bureau in 1974, tasked with the responsibility to deliver nationhood education to foster the spirit of patriotism amongst Malaysian citizen. Nationhood education is very important and necessary at all levels of our society including among those in the educational institutions, the youths, the public and private sector workers, members of the non-governmental organisations, as well as community leaders.

     This education will also enhance the awareness, appreciation and continuous commitment of the people to the nation's vision and the efforts towards excellence. It will prepare the people to be the backbone of the country's policies and contribute towards the development of the nation and the well-being of its citizen.

     The spirit of patriotism and passion towards the country acts as fortresses in defending the independence and to ensure the harmony which we enjoy today is continuously maintained. As citizens and leaders, we definitely do not wish to see the recurrence of the tragic incident of 13th May 1969 and colonization by foreign powers to repeat in our beloved homeland Malaysia.

For further information, please visit www.arkib.gov.my.