Albert Kwok

Did You Know?

• The Double Tenth Revolt on 10 October 1943 killed more than 60 Japanese troops using parang, bujak, and kris attacks.
• After the revolt, Japanese forces threatened to execute 400 civilians in Shantung Valley to force Kwok's surrender.

Early life

Albert Kwok was born in 1921 in Kuching, Sarawak, where his father worked as a dentist. In the late 1930s he lived temporarily in China, learning traditional Chinese medicine and practicing in Nanjing, Hankou, and Canton while serving in the Kuomintang. Another account states he acquired medical skills for treating haemorrhoids in Penang Straits Settlements. He returned to Borneo in 1940. On 15 May 1941, at age 19, he moved to Jesselton to work as a doctor, building a successful practice despite dwindling drug supplies. His resolve to resist the occupying forces strengthened after the Japanese issued a decree on 13 June 1942.

Struggle for liberation

When the Japanese arrived in Jesselton in 1943, Kwok's close friend Lim Keng Fatt, a Chinese businessman, was already in contact with Marajukim, an Imam from Sulu who served as a liaison for Philippine guerrillas. Kwok traveled with the Imam to Sulu to study the resistance movement under Filipino Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro Suarez. In May 1943, Kwok returned to Jesselton determined to liberate North Borneo. He contacted the Oversea Chinese Defence Association, obtaining medical equipment and cash donations for the Sulu resistance. In June 1943 he again traveled with Imam Marajukim to the Philippines, where Suarez arranged a meeting with US army representatives; Kwok was appointed Lieutenant on 1 July 1943. Back in North Borneo, from 21 September 1943 he formed a separate resistance group called the Kinabalu Guerrillas or Kinabalu Guerrillas Defence Force. Its senior management included Hiew Syn Yong, Charles Peter, Subedar Dewa Singh, Kong Tze Phui, and Jules Stephens. Through intelligence gathering, Kwok learned Japanese plans to force 2,000 young Chinese men into military service and use young Chinese women as comfort women. At that time he had about 100 guerrilla fighters, with an expected 200 additional fighters from various indigenous ethnic groups.

Execution in Petagas

Kwok and several movement leaders decided to surrender and were detained by the Japanese. He was first held at a prison in Batu Tiga, then along with 175 others—most of whom had no connection to the uprising—was subjected to an execution order on 21 January 1944 in Petagas. Kwok, Charles Peter, Tsen Tsau Kong, Kong Tze Phui, and Li Tet Phui were beheaded by katana, while the others were killed with machine guns or bayonets.