Datuk Joniston Bangkuai paying respect to the fallen heroes before placing flower wreath at the Sandakan Memorial
SANDAKAN: The bravery and sacrifices of more than 2,000 Australian and British allied soldiers, including many civilians who perished in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp, will never be forgotten, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“Not far away from this exact spot, mid-1942 many soldiers were moved from the prisoner camp.”
“Those chosen were the fit ones selected to transfer goods on foot, deep into the intense Bornean jungles and all the way to Ranau, over 260km away. “
With supplies up to 25kgs each, they walked through rain and humid weather, and in the treacherous journey, many succumbed to illnesses.”
“Of the 1,066, only six survived to tell this tale.”
“I am humbled that every year, many of you (family members of the fallen) make your way to this solemn ceremony to honour and remember the more than 2,000 brave Australian and British allied soldiers, including many civilians who perished in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp,” he said at the Sandakan Memorial Day here today.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
“As we remember the Prisoners-of-Wars, we also remember the local civilians who took the risk and lost their lives in helping these allied soldiers. Let us honour them and the rest of the individuals as heroes,” he said.
As this year marked the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II, Hajiji said the loss of abled men lives on in the minds of family members.
“This morning is an opportune time for us to reflect on their sacrifices. Our desire for peace must be stronger and that war should not prevail,” he said.
To the family and relatives of the fallen, Hajiji said Sabah would be their place of remembrance.
“Holding this date in remembrance has fostered a resonance between Australia, Britain, and Sabah. Sabah and specifically Sandakan will always welcome you and your families,” he said.
He commended the Sandakan Municipal Council, Sabah Tourism Board, and the Organising Committee for their continued dedication to honouring these fallen men and keeping their stories alive.
“Special thanks to the Office of Australian War Graves and the Australian and British High Commissions Malaysia for your continuous support in ensuring this part of history is remembered and commemorated. May we continue to remember this shared history of our nations here in Sandakan,” he said.
Sabah will never forget Sandakan WWII heroes
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (seated centre) with the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke (seated fourth right), Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd (fourth left) and other guests at the Sandakan Memorial.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai paying respect to the fallen heroes before placing flower wreath at the Sandakan Memorial
SANDAKAN: The bravery and sacrifices of more than 2,000 Australian and British allied soldiers, including many civilians who perished in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp, will never be forgotten, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“Not far away from this exact spot, mid-1942 many soldiers were moved from the prisoner camp.”
“Those chosen were the fit ones selected to transfer goods on foot, deep into the intense Bornean jungles and all the way to Ranau, over 260km away. “
With supplies up to 25kgs each, they walked through rain and humid weather, and in the treacherous journey, many succumbed to illnesses.”
“Of the 1,066, only six survived to tell this tale.”
“I am humbled that every year, many of you (family members of the fallen) make your way to this solemn ceremony to honour and remember the more than 2,000 brave Australian and British allied soldiers, including many civilians who perished in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp,” he said at the Sandakan Memorial Day here today.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
“As we remember the Prisoners-of-Wars, we also remember the local civilians who took the risk and lost their lives in helping these allied soldiers. Let us honour them and the rest of the individuals as heroes,” he said.
As this year marked the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II, Hajiji said the loss of abled men lives on in the minds of family members.
“This morning is an opportune time for us to reflect on their sacrifices. Our desire for peace must be stronger and that war should not prevail,” he said.
To the family and relatives of the fallen, Hajiji said Sabah would be their place of remembrance.
“Holding this date in remembrance has fostered a resonance between Australia, Britain, and Sabah. Sabah and specifically Sandakan will always welcome you and your families,” he said.
He commended the Sandakan Municipal Council, Sabah Tourism Board, and the Organising Committee for their continued dedication to honouring these fallen men and keeping their stories alive.
“Special thanks to the Office of Australian War Graves and the Australian and British High Commissions Malaysia for your continuous support in ensuring this part of history is remembered and commemorated. May we continue to remember this shared history of our nations here in Sandakan,” he said.
