Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yusuf
Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yusuf was born on March 2, 1889. He is the grandson of Dato’ Bentara Luar; his father was a Senior Government Officer, and his final position was as the Commissioner of Land and Mines in Johor. Lieutenant Colonel Musa is a descendant of the Johor War Commander. Inheritating the spirit of heroism, his grandfather, Mohamad Salleh Bin Perang, was appointed as the first Commissioner of Police in Johor.
Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yusuf received education in religious, Malay, and English schools. He began his career as a Clerk in the Johor Chief Minister's Office on January 1, 1914. On March 16, 1915, he was selected as a Cadet in JMF. After completing his training, he was granted the rank of Second Lieutenant. Due to his resilience and possessing good military leadership qualities, he continued to climb the ranks until April 9, 1919, when he was promoted to the rank of Captain at the age of 31. In 1939, he was promoted to the rank of Major and finally, he was bestowed with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
During the Japanese invasion of Malaya, he was serving as a Government Officer in JMF in Mersing. It was here that he demonstrated his leadership qualities as a resilient and courageous military leader in controlling the area that includes Jamaluang, Kluang, and Yong Peng.
While performing duties in Mersing, he contributed significantly not only to JMF but also to the development of the Mersing district itself.
In addition to his military career, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yusuf was also a prominent cultural figure, linguist, and renowned writer. In the field of arts, he was a prominent ghazal figure, earning the title of the Father of Johor Ghazal and creating songs that are still popular today, such as "Sri Mersing."
In UMNO politics, he was also active and played a role as one of the key figures during the establishment of UMNO and thereafter.
References:
- National Archives of Malaysia, Johor Branch, EXHIBITION BOOK ON THE OCCASION OF THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE ROYAL JOHOR MILITARY FORCE 1886 – 1986 AT THE JUBLI INTAN HALL, JOHOR BAHRU, ON THE 19th & 22nd OF AUGUST 1986.
- JMF.