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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 9: The nation mourns the loss of another heroic figure with the passing of Major (Rtd) Michael Riman Bugat, a revered individual celebrated for his courage and valour during a series of confrontations against the communist forces in the 1970s.
The distinguished warrior breathed his last at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Monday (Aug 7) at 9am. He was 71.
Currently, the remains of the late Quartermaster rest at the Civic Centre Kuching, where his loved ones, friends, and the general public have gathered to pay their last respects and bid their final farewells.
The journey towards the late Riman’s final resting place, the Heroes’ Grave at Jalan Taman Budaya, will take place on Thursday (Aug 10) at 9.30am. This will be followed by a funeral service at 10am.
Among those who honoured him with their presence were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and his deputy Dato Sebastian Ting.
Expressing his grief, Minister Abdul Karim emphasised that Riman’s legacy as a fearless combatant in the battle against communism will forever be etched in history.
“The passing of the late Riman deeply saddens me. He stood as a symbol of courage and was distinguished with the highest bravery award bestowed by Agong. It is the unwavering bravery of such heroes that has facilitated Sarawak’s progress towards harmony and peace.
“The sacrifices of these fighters must not be forgotten by the young Sarawakians of today, for they were the architects of the tranquility and unity we cherish,” he told reporters when met this morning.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Youth, Sports and Talent Development, added that all Sarawakians, especially the younger generation should strive to embody their contributions and uphold their spirit in nurturing a united, harmonious, and peaceful Sarawak and Malaysia.
The late Riman’s most recent public appearance was at the recent celebration of Sarawak’s 60 Years of Independence at Padang Merdeka on July 22.
He stood among esteemed veterans from the defense forces, including the Iban trackers, Sarawak Rangers, Rascom, and Armed Forces, who participated in a grand celebratory parade encompassing 75 contingents and over 3,000 participants.
Prior to this, he also attended the official launch of the Kampung Jangkar Memorial Monument in Biawak, Lundu in May this year, which was erected in remembrance of the fallen 15 heroes from the armed forces and the communists in an ambush 51 years ago.
“He was a man of humility and warmth. The void left by his passing is deeply felt, and I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his family,” Abdul Karim stated.
Riman was honoured with numerous medals, among them the prestigious Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) medal—the highest distinction for bravery and courage—bestowed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Iskandar on June 6, 1984.
His exceptional courage was evident from his earliest battles, where he, alongside Sergeant Kanang Langkau, demonstrated unmatched bravery and resilience.
Born on March 8, 1952, Riman hailed from the Iban community in Spaoh, Betong. His journey towards a military career was influenced during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in 1963, when British soldiers and Gurkhas were present.
Commencing his military service as an Army recruit on Jan 22, 1973, Riman underwent training at Camp Terendak in Malacca. Following six months of intensive training, he and his fellow Sarawakians, numbering 520, were incorporated into the newly formed 8th Rangers.
After three additional months of advanced training, Riman became part of the “Lightning Platoon”, which later evolved into “Platoon Ngelaban” and eventually gained fame as the “UCIS Platoon” or Combat Intelligence Platoon.
Riman was a Section Commander in the UCIS Platoon of 8th Rangers, earning a reputation as a paragon of professionalism and valour in the face of adversity.
He played a pivotal role in a series of battles, beginning on Oct 9, 1976, in Kampung Serangan, Lundu, Sarawak, and on Dec 26, 1977, in Gopeng, Perak. In these operations, Riman successfully took down two communist terrorists.
On June 1, 1979, under the leadership of Kanang, the UCIS tracked down the enemy to their hideout, leading to a fierce confrontation.
In the midst of battle, Riman fearlessly attacked and breached the enemy’s stronghold. His unwavering courage and the efforts of his team resulted in the elimination of five communist insurgents, though at the cost of a soldier’s life and Riman’s own severe arm injury from gunshot wounds.
Riman made history by becoming the first BE-category military service member to rise to the rank of Commissioned Officer as a Quartermaster, starting as a Lieutenant after 18 years of service.
His educational journey began at Paku Central School in Tanjung Labang, continuing to St Luke’s Secondary School in Simanggang, where he pursued his lower secondary education until Form 3, achieving the Lower Certificate of Education. He furthered his studies at the Government Secondary School in Simanggang until completing Form 5. — DayakDaily
