KUCHING: Let us remember the fallen heroes who had defended the country against the enemies, Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said. In a tribute to the soldiers who died during the Malaysia-Indonesia confrontation and the Communist insurgency, he added: “The Commonwealth and Malaysian armed forces displayed a spirit of selfless sacrifices, brave comradeship and heroism with unity and strength. “This remarkable spirit was demonstrated again vigorously by our local armed forces, police, rangers and civil administration – under the Rejang Security Command (Rascom) – throughout the communist insurgency. “In the course of this joint military operation during the confrontation and Rascom period (1962 - 1990), many of our brave and dedicated veterans died.”
 Special honour: Manyin (left) presenting the certificate of bravery to Lance Corporal Bajau ak Ladi in Kuching yesterday. — Bernama
He said this in a speech at a special memorial service for veteran soldiers, read out by state Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Michael Manyin here yesterday. Present at the sombre ceremony were local veteran soldiers and some 120 Commonwealth war veterans from Britain, New Zealand and Australia. The event – held in conjunction with the 50th year of Independence celebrations – was jointly organised by the state Urban Development and Tourism Ministry, the 3rd Malaysian Infantry Brigade and the Sarawak Tourism Federation. Abdul Taib said that during the armed conflicts, the country faced security threats manifested by the many attacks on police stations, security units and outposts.
The chief minister also paid a tribute to Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman, describing him as “a freedom fighter and a nation builder in his own right.” Manyin also led in the laying of wreaths at the Warriors’ Monument. The others included British High Commissioner to Malaysia Boyd McCleary, British defence adviser Col Paul Edwards, Australian defence adviser Capt Phil Lavelle, New Zealand honorary consul in Sarawak Datuk Mohd Amin Satem and 3rd Malaysian Infantry Brigade commander Brig-Jen S. Jeyabalan*. Brig-Jen S. Jeyabalan* was my Instructor in the Army Combat Training Centre when I was on the Company Commander's course-edit. |
