By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 9: Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has urged the government to establish a collaborative committee aimed at bestowing rightful recognition upon former defence forces personnel, encompassing both police and military members.
Wan Junaidi highlighted that these individuals, often overlooked, have made substantial contributions and endured sacrifices to ensure the security and sovereignty of the nation.
Unfortunately, their noble efforts often remain unheard of or been given the recognition they deserve, especially by the younger generations.
“The generations today are unfamiliar with, or fail to comprehend the trials, struggles, sacrifices and hardships the veterans endured.
“The struggles faced by the police and army during historical periods such as the Japanese Occupation and the era of communist insurgency, where they spent significant time in jungles for intelligence gathering and combat, go unnoticed.
“We lived with uncertainty, not knowing whether we would return home or be carried back in a body bag, as life and death were uncertain,” he told reporters after paying his last respects to the late Major (Rtd) Michael Riman Bugat at the Civic Centre here today.
The late Riman, a revered figure celebrated for his courage and valour during multiple clashes with the communist forces in the 1970s, passed away at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Monday (Aug 7) at the age of 71.
As such, Wan Junaidi underscored the importance of honouring and acknowledging former military and police personnel, the true champions and defenders.
He cited the example of Riman, who received the highest bravery award from Agong in 1984.
Furthermore, Wan Junaidi recounted the historical significance of events like the 1952 Emergency, where a police officer lost his life in a communist attack at Jalan Penrissen.
“During the 1952 Emergency before many of us were born, communists attacked a roadblock at Jalan Penrissen and a police was shot dead.
“The communist insurgency persisted in Sarawak until 1990, leading to numerous military and police members sacrificing their lives to safeguard the well-being of the people,” he said.
In light of these, Wan Junaidi fervently advocated for timely recognition and respect to be accorded to these veterans, ensuring their rightful place in history and within the collective memory of the nation. — DayakDaily
