KUCHING, August 28: The annual congregation of Australian and New Zealand army veterans occurred today at the Sarawak Heroes Memorial Park in conjunction with Malaya & Borneo Veterans Day.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of President of the National Malaya & Borneo, Major Veterans Association Australia (NMBVAA) for South Australia and Northern Territory Branch, Paul Rosenzweig, Life Member and Vice-President Malayan Veterans Association Bill Russell and New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Malaysia
Her Excellency, Pam Chong Dunn.
In her tribute speech, Pam noted how the commemoration service serves as an essential platform for all three countries to recognise the contributions and sacrifices made by individuals in the aftermath of World War II conflicts – the undeclared war ‘Malayan Emergency’ (June 1948 – July 1960) and ‘Indonesian Confrontation’ (December 1962 – August 1966).
“Here at the Sarawak Heroes Memorial Park, we are continually reminded of the joint efforts of the Commonwealth Forces, who stood alongside Malaysians to safeguard Malaysian sovereignty despite attempts by others to undermine it.
“To take pride that New Zealand did its part alongside others to build Malaysia as a nation, your deeds are not forgotten and your service is honoured,” she added.
In the present day, Pam also highlighted that New Zealand continues to contribute to Malaysia as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which constitute one of Malaysia’s five defensive policy pillars.
She stressed the collaboration also forms a crucial component of New Zealand’s Defence Engagement Strategy in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Bill led the country’s contingent during the commemoration service, which was conducted by Dean Emeritus Michael Buma Galami.
A Gurkha contingent from Brunei Darussalam was also present during the ceremony to honour Captain Rambahadur Limbu, who passed away on April 22 this year.
He (Limbu) had been awarded the Victoria Cross by the late Queen Elizabeth for his remarkable bravery at Palaman Kampung Tepoi, near the border of Kampung Gumbang, Bau. – TVS
