By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 30: Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has voiced strong support for a proposed memorial in Long Langai, Ba’ Kelalan, to commemorate the little-known surrender of Japanese soldiers after World War II, calling it a crucial step toward preserving an overlooked chapter of Malaysian history.
The initiative, originally advocated by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leo Moggie and backed by Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Libat Langub, aims to raise public awareness about the historical significance of the surrender that took place on October 31, 1945—marking one of the final recorded Japanese troop surrenders of the war.
“This memorial is an excellent idea and a crucial step toward raising awareness among Sarawakians and Malaysians about this overlooked chapter of our history, which has regrettably been left out of our history books,” he said in a statement issued today.
Baru said the memorial would hold deep meaning for the people of Ba’ Kelalan, particularly as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the surrender.
He suggested a reenactment during the planned commemoration could further enhance the event’s educational value.
“Captain Fujino’s surrender of his forces at Long Langai on that day is particularly noteworthy as it represents one of the last recorded surrenders of Japanese troops
during World War II.
“The surrender at Long Langai not only marked the cessation of hostilities in the region but also paved the way for the restoration of peace and the rebuilding of local communities affected by the war.
“Commemorating this event through a memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of war, the challenges of communication in conflict, and the enduring human spirit that seeks reconciliation and understanding in the aftermath of global turmoil,” he added.
Baru Bian further said that the proposed site, Long Langai, would become more accessible with the nearing completion of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), positioning the memorial as a potential historical and tourism landmark.
“To ensure its educational value, credible historians should be appointed to document and narrate the events leading up to the surrender.
“This would provide visitors with a deeper understanding of its historical significance and cement its place as an important landmark in Malaysia’s history,” he said. — DayakDaily
