LUNDU: The Sarawak government plans to re-introduce the award for bravery given to members of uniformed bodies who have fought to protect the sovereignty and wellbeing of the state.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the awards include the Pingat Perwira Negeri (PPN) in appreciation of the struggles of those who have fought for the state.
“Actually, Sarawak also awards bravery medals, but it hasn’t been awarded for a long time.
“It is similar to the medal awarded by the Federation, namely the Good Service Medal and others.
“Therefore, I have discussed with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki if this year we can propose certain names as recipients of the award.
“I really want to see bravery medals re-awarded to those who deserve it whether from the armed forces, the police or other uniformed bodies.
“This is because in this period of 10 or 20 years we have seen that these people have sacrificed a lot and risked their lives to help the public and Sarawak. All of them can be considered for medals,” he said after unveiling the Kampung Jangkar Memorial Monument at Jalan Biawak-Lundu, here, yesterday.
When asked if the medal could be given this year, Abdul Karim said there was no problem for the government to consider the medals to be given every year.
“But it also depends on the situation, if there is a list of recipients who are eligible and can be considered, we can award them with the medals. If there is none, it can be given the following year.
“However, the awarding and recommendation of the recipient’s name list depends on the panel that filters the necessary criteria. It has its own process,” he explained.
For the record, the last Pingat Perwira Negeri awarded by the Sarawak Government was in 2019 with a total of 19 Iban trackers receiving the award.
