KUCHING: The federal government is urged to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of Iban war hero and George Cross recipient Datuk Sgt Awang Raweng to the nation.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said the bravery of the Nanga Skrang native was recognised by the state government, by honouring him with a Datukship and according him with a state funeral.
“I would request for Putrajaya to give him due recognition. After all, he almost lost his life in defending Malaya against the threat of communism in the 50s.
“The British government gave him the George Cross for his bravery in saving one of its soldiers, and what did Malaysia gave to the late Awang Raweng?
“Please recognise bravery regardless of race, religion and regions,” he said when met at the wake of the late Awang on Sunday (Sept 20).
Awang passed away at the age of 104 at his son’s residence in Sri Aman at around 2.15pm last Friday.
The war hero was awarded the George Cross — the second highest award in the United Kingdom’s honours system after the Victoria Cross — on November 20, 1951.
Prior to his demise, he was one of 20 surviving George Cross recipients in the Commonwealth, and the only one from Malaysia.
Masing said had Awang been enlisted in the British forces, the latter would have received a Victorian Cross instead of the George Cross.
“But because he was not, he was considered a civilian, so the highest honour is the George Cross,” he said.
The deputy chief minister recounted when Awang was invited to attend the Queen’s birthday celebration in London, England where Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) had helped collect enough funds for Awang and his two grandsons’ travel expenses.
“At least we had the opportunity to assist in whatever way we could and I think whoever you are, we have to honour those who have given their lives for the security of the country,” he said.
