KUCHING: There would be no peace in Malaysia now if past generations had not made sacrifices.
Consider the obstacles, struggles, and situations that past fighters endured in order to obtain freedom and build the country. This is something that today’s youth must strive to achieve.
As a result, Malaysia Day will be observed every year on September 16 to remember the events on Sept 16, 1963.
However, there were obviously many memories of major past events prior to achieving independence and the laying of foundation pertaining to Malaysia, particularly involving past combatants.
Lieutenant Colonel (R) Fabian Wong Boon Soon, 78, said an event that was difficult to forget was when he faced the enemy in the incident relating to the killing of Inspector Herman Wong in December 1970.
“The first moment was when I heard the sound of gunshots and rushed out of the house during the shooting incident.
“I fought and grappled with the enemy like in an action movie scene and managed to shoot one of the six enemies at that time.
“Then we also managed to arrest four of those enemies in Sibu,” he said when contacted by Suara Sarawak.
He went on to say that he hoped the young generation and society today would recognise the sacrifices of past fighters.
“We have fought for the country, we are willing to sacrifice anything for the country. So it is hoped that Malaysians appreciate this.
“Without the sacrifices of the past fighters there would not be peace, development and harmony like this. Everyone will be miserable, many countries are still at war and cannot maintain peace,” he said.
Recounting his time while fighting the enemy, Sergeant (B) Bahoa Anggeh, 80, disclosed that the worst incident he ever experienced was in 1970.
“At that time there was an ambush in Sungai Katibas and only two people survived, namely an officer and a sergeant. The others all perished.
“I felt very sad at that time because many members were killed and drowned in the water,” he explained.
Bahoa said that another past incident that he would never forget occurred when 15 of his team members, commanded by him, were despatched to the wilderness with no food supplies.
“During the first week we only depended on what was in the forest including bamboo shoots because there was nothing else to eat.
“At that time, the communists sat on the hill. The weather was bad, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) could not deliver food.
“And only on the seventh day did food assistance come. This is our experience and sacrifice to ensure that the country achieves independence and becomes a harmonious country at this time,” he stressed.
In a related matter, Bahoa also expects the community to appreciate the services and sacrifices of veterans like him.
“I only advise the community to appreciate the historic days. Past fighters have sacrificed and succeeded in bringing Malaysia to the path of peace,” he added.
