By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 26: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is set to witness the reenactment of the historic 1945 Operation Semut paratrooper landing at Padang Merdeka here tomorrow, in conjunction with the 80th International Commemoration of the event.
Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonies and Event Management Unit (UPPANS) director Datu Hamdan Sharbini said the ceremony will also feature a symbolic handing over of the Sarawak flag to Abang Johari, in recognition of the State government’s pivotal role in commemorating this chapter of wartime history.
The event commemorates the arrival of Australian special forces (SK Australia) in Bario in 1945, 80 years ago.
Their mission was to train the local people, particularly the Kelabit community, in guerrilla warfare to resist the Japanese occupation.
The original operation involved parachuting into Bario, though the exact number of personnel remains uncertain, with early reports suggesting eight soldiers.
To honor this historical event, the Australian and Malaysian governments collaborated to recreate the parachute jump.
The reenactment, which was first performed in Bario yesterday (March 25), will feature personnel from both the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), supported by the Army Engineer Reserve (ASKAD), State Protocol and Event Management Unit (UPPAN), and various state agencies.
“A total of eight individuals will take part in the parachute jump, while a 30-member military band and a 40-strong ground team will also be involved,” Hamdan said during a full rehearsal at Padang Merdeka here today. An audio recording of his comments was later made available to DayakDaily.
He added that the event is not only a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the past generation but also a symbol of the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Australia.
The commemoration will be further enlivened with various performances and ceremonial tributes to honour those who fought for the nation. — DayakDaily
