This Content Is Only For Subscribers
KUCHING, June 23: Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) Heritage Development Committee chairman Dato Lim Kian Hock and Malaysia’s Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang were among three Malaysians who received the Order of Australia this year.
Apart from the two Sarawakians, the other recipient was Sabahan adventure guide Tham Yau Kong.
The Order of Australia is an honour that recognises Australian citizens and non-citizens for outstanding achievement and service.
According to Bernama’s report today, the Australian High Commission in Malaysia released a statement saying that Lim was bestowed with the Honorary Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) by the Chargé d’Affaires Clare Gatehouse on behalf of Australian High Commissioner Dr Justin Lee in a ceremony held at the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday (June 20).
He was recognised for his service to Australia-Malaysia relations, especially through commemorating the Australian Armed Forces in Sarawak and those who served alongside them during World War 2 (WWII).
In 2013, Lim campaigned and advocated for the permanent recognition of the Australian Z-Units for their gallantry, with the support of the Bario Rurum Kelabit Committee and Communities, the Malaysian Armed Forces, STF Heritage Development Committee, the late Jack Tredea, the commando’s families and friends, and all well-wishers.
Meanwhile, Affendi was awarded the Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) by the High Commissioner on May 8 for his service in championing Australia’s presence in Malaysia and its participation in the Five Power Defence Arrangements, actively supporting the maintenance of defence engagement with Australia during Covid-19 pandemic and enhancing interoperability and cooperation between Australian Defence Force and the Malaysian Armed Forces.
On April 24, Tham was bestowed the Honorary Medal in the General Division of the Order of Australia (OAM) by Lee in Sandakan following the ANZAC Day—the National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.
Tham was recognised for his service in commemorating the sacrifice of Australian prisoners of war in Malaysia, particularly along the Sandakan-Ranau death march from 1942 to 1945, through self-funding a rediscovery trek of the death march and helped to establish several memorials along the route. — DayakDaily
