Mukhtiar, who once told reporters that it was tougher to live a long life than to survive the communist insurgency, was a police inspector during the Malayan Emergency which lasted from 1948 to 1960.
It was then that he killed or captured 18 communist terrorists in Selangor, an exploit that later earned him the Colonial Police Medal for gallantry in action.
The honour was bestowed upon him by the last British High Commissioner to Malaya Donald Charles MacGillivray on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
Mukhtiar was admitted to Pantai Medical Centre in Bangsar for surgery to treat a colon infection five days ago but died at 4.20pm yesterday.
His youngest son, Rajpal Singh, who is a lawyer and president of the Sentul Gurdwara Sahib temple, said Mukhtiar was due to celebrate his 92nd birthday on June 13.
Mukhtiar served in the police force for 12 years before joining the royal military police corps where he stayed for 17 years. He escaped numerous assassination attempts during his time in the force.
However, he did not qualify for a pension owing to a technicality, Rajpal said.
He said that when Mukhtiar served a stint at a regiment of the territorial army, he became a weapons instructor and was a top marksman, winning many medals and awards for shooting.
Upon retirement, Mukhtiar joined the New Straits Times Press as a security officer at its premises in Bangsar.
Rajpal said his father’s military comrades and Malaysians at large saw him as a “true Malaysian hero” who had left a mark through his dedication in serving the nation.
“He was a man of inspiration, strength and power. His bravery on the battlefield and leadership still inspires us all. He leaves behind a legacy of love and memories,” Rajpal said.
“He may be gone now but his courage and compassion will live on in our hearts and in the spirit of our nation,” he added.
Apart from Rajpal, Mukhtiar is survived by son Dr Rajbans Singh, a geriatrician, and daughter Rajvinder Kaur. Mukhtiar’s wife Pritam Kaur died on Jan 19, 2021.
The wake will be held today at their Jalan Vethavanam home in Taman Kaya, Sentul, followed by cremation at the Shamshan Bhoomi Crematorium at Jalan Loke Yew.
In one of his last interviews, Mukhtiar said it was his greatest honour to be able to serve his country.
He also expressed his “wholehearted gratitude” to other soldiers “who have walked the same path”.
“I wake up every morning to cherish the times I had put my life on the line for my country.
“Never once did I feel regretful, as I am proud to have served Malaysia and its people,” Mukhtiar added.