By GABRIEL LIHAN and ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER
KUCHING: Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Zaini Mohd Said has a message for the younger generation – he wants them to remember the forefathers who had tirelessly defended Malaysia.
Zaini, a recipient of the Grand Knight of Valour, the highest gallantry award, said in conjunction with Malaysia Day, it is important to recall the country’s history and the reason Sarawak and Sabah agreed to the formation of Malaysia with Malaya and Singapore.
He was part of the ‘Grup Gerak Khas’, a special force of the Malaysian army established in 1965 during the Indonesia-Malaysian Confrontation when he was first assigned to Kuching, and later stationed at Balai Ringin, Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Ulu Nyemah, Ulu Ketibas and Betong which explains his love for Sarawak.
He urged all Malaysians to remain united together and deeply appreciate the dedication of the military and army veterans.
“Unity is so important, the best example of unity is Sarawak. All the races here are able to come together, work together and no argument is too big that it cannot be dealt with.
“Therefore, we as former army members want everyone to remember the battles and sacrifices that were fought because we fear the next generation will forget,” he added.
Explaining, Zaini said he and his fellow men hope that everyone will remember the battles fought and the sacrifices that he and his fellow army veterans made.
He recounted his memories of war, where he and his men had to fight for the future generation and ensure their safety.
“We fight for this country because it is our ‘menua’ (our land) and we want to protect it.
“So that the future generations can enjoy the freedom, and feel safe. When the country is safe and advanced as it is now, don’t forget us,” he said.
Towards this end Zaini Mohd called on the current generation to be more appreciative of the army veterans’ sacrifices.
“Consider helping the army veterans whether in allowance or the army veteran’s welfare,” he added.
