Metro

Wednesday August 8, 2007

All over the world, the Gurkhas are highly respected for their bravery

By MANJIT KAUR
manjit@thestar.com.my
Photos by KELVIN TAN

RECENT announcement by the Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharom that only Nepalese ex-servicemen and Gurkhas are allowed to work as security guards in Malaysia have placed these brave men in the limelight.

So what makes Gurkhas special?

Reliable and responsible: Kiran Shrestha (second left) and Y.B. Basnet (left) talking to Ong Beng Beng (third right) and his family members during their rounds.
Known for their bravery and loyalty, Gurkha guards are known to be a class above the rest.

This is due to the training and experience that they gained serving in the military, and when employed as guards in any country, this exemplary trait set them apart.

For instance in Desa ParkCity, where 62 out of the 74 guards employed are Gurkhas and apparently residents are comfortable and happy with their services.

These guards, usually adorned with Gurkha hats, are said to know each and every resident,and would not fail to greet them and escort them back to their homes even when they return in the wee hours of the morning.

The brave clan: Both Kiran Shrestha (left) and Y.B. Basnet take pride in their jobs as security guards at the Desa ParkCity gated community.
Kiran Shrestha, 29, who was hired two-months ago for the Desa ParkCity gated community said they took pride in their job, as it was important for people to have confidence in them.

“When they sleep at night they are assured we are out there to take care of their homes,” he said, adding that all Gurkhas are Nepalese, but not every Nepalese is a Gurkha.

Asked how Gurkhas generally felt about impostors, Shrestha said he would feel angry and disappointed.

The former sergeant, who was in the army for five-years, said outsiders may not be able to differentiate between a Gurkha and a civilian, but as Gurkhas, within minutes they would be able to detect the liars.

“For instance I would know if a person was lying from the way he spoke, his physical appearance and his military knowledge,” he said, adding that there were about 15 Gurkha clans in Nepal.

Desa ParkCity security manager S.Baskaran said when interviews were conducted, one or two Gurkha guards would be available to determine the Gurkha's authenticity.

“Due to their level of discipline, one feels safe and assured. Even when you drive in the wee hours of the morning, you will never catch them sleeping,” he said.

He said the Gurkhas would risk their lives to ensure the safety of the residents, for instance one guard broke the window of the management office on the third floor to put out a fire last month, even before the fire engines arrived.

“Y.B. Basnet was not bothered about his safety, but was more concerned about the property and the safety of the people,” he added.

Basnet, 38, felt it would not be nice if another person posed as a Gurkha, as they have a certain standard they adhered to.

One of the residents interviewed said that he was happy with the Gurkha guards as they were highly dedicated.

Ong Beng Beng, 53 said children could go cycling and older people could go for walks without any fear.

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