By Theevya Ragu | FMT |
Sikhs carry a long history of service in the country’s armed forces. While those who battled in the jungles are often remembered, the equally vital role played by those flying the skies is less acknowledged.
Among the earliest was the late Jaswant Singh of the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force, believed to be the first pilot to have flown Tunku Abdul Rahman, the country’s first prime minister.
To date, many Sikhs have left their mark in the military, with five rising to the rank of brigadier general. However, only one Sikh reached that rank within the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
Ranjit Singh Gill, 78, served the nation for 36 years as a helicopter pilot in the RMAF, retiring in 2003. Distinguished in his career, he remains the first and only Sikh in the RMAF to have attained such heights.
He joined the RMAF in 1968, a decade after its formation. Over the years, he has clocked more than 3,500 flying hours, and gained extensive experience in military operations.
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Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Ranjit, who was raised in Kuala Lumpur, recalled how he found his way into the air force.
“I initially wanted to study medicine, but my parents couldn’t afford it,” he said. Wanting a career that commanded respect in society, he turned to the armed forces.
After spotting a newspaper advertisement to join the air force, he applied several times before finally being accepted.
“As a helicopter pilot, I saw a lot of action in Sabah, Sarawak, and peninsular Malaysia, operating in many hot communist areas like Gerik and Sibu.
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