What unexpected tactics did Kiong use to encourage desertions?

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Kiong Employed Psychological and Physical Tactics to Induce Desertion

Datuk Paul Kiong implemented deliberate supply manipulations and psychological ploys to foster desertion among communist fighters. These tactics aimed to create physical discomfort and exploit personal circumstances, ultimately weakening morale and encouraging defection. Kiong's strategy prioritized influencing fighters to surrender through non-violent means, reserving direct confrontation as a last resort.
Deliberate Reduction of Essential Supplies

Kiong strategically reduced the supply of certain items to communist groups to induce physical distress and psychological pressure. Specifically, he purposefully provided less salt to fighters, which he knew would lead to muscle cramps. This physical discomfort, stemming directly from manipulated provisions, served as an immediate deterrent to their operational capabilities and overall well-being.
Exploiting Personal Circumstances for Defection

Information gleaned from supply requests was used to identify opportunities for encouraging desertion. When fighters requested condoms and old newspapers, Kiong interpreted this as indicators of sexually active male and female combatants, with some females likely menstruating. He then leveraged this knowledge by providing fewer condoms, aiming to trigger accidental pregnancies. The subsequent challenges and social implications of such pregnancies were intended to be a significant factor in motivating desertion.
Utilizing Turncoats to Facilitate Surrender

Beyond manipulating supplies, Kiong also employed defectors, or turncoats, as a key element of his strategy to encourage further defections. These individuals, having already left the communist ranks, were used to persuade active communist terrorists to abandon their cause. This method of luring more fighters to defect was preferred over direct combat, with gunfights being considered only as a final option.

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What unexpected tactics did Kiong use to encourage desertions?

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