KUCHING: The completion of the Memorial Pavillion is deemed timely and long overdue, serving as a place for visitors and the younger generation to reflect and remember the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the project reflects the deep-rooted friendship between Sarawak and Yunnan in China, nurtured over decades through people-to-people connections, cultural ties, and shared values.
“Today marks a proud and emotional moment with the completion of the Memorial Pavilion dedicated to the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics – brave souls from Sarawak and across Southeast Asia who served selflessly during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
“Many Chinese Sarawakians volunteered to support China’s resistance against Japanese invasion, a little-known but powerful chapter of shared history and sacrifice.
“This pavilion stands not only as a physical structure but as a symbol of remembrance, respect, and recognition for the contributions of the Nanyang Volunteers.
“Let this Memorial Pavilion stand as a beacon of friendship, peace, and gratitude – linking our shared past with our shared future,” he said at the completion event of the pavilion held at Taman Sahabat here today.
He expressed pride that Sarawak is part of this joint initiative with the Yunnan Hand in Hand Programme, which is a testament to historical connection and mutual respect.
Dr Sim said that honouring the Nanyang Volunteers not only pays tribute to the past but also reinforces current and future cooperation between the two regions.
He added that such shared acts of remembrance help deepen mutual understanding and strengthen solidarity.
On a city-to-city level, he said Kuching South and Kunming have enjoyed warm relations under the banner of international friendship cities.
“We have explored exchanges in areas such as culture, education, business, youth development, and sustainable city initiatives.
“As Sarawak continues to promote international collaboration, we look forward to further engagements with Yunnan – in trade, tourism, green development, healthcare, and youth exchange.
“This partnership has great potential to benefit both sides economically and socially,” he said.
Meanwhile, CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee Secretary cum Standing Committee Chairman of the People’s Congress of Yunnan Province, Wang Ning, said the pavilion stands as an enduring testament to Yunnan Province and Sarawak’s unwavering commitment to honoring the wartime heroes.
“It forges a new bridge for both regions to champion the volunteers’ indomitable spirit and carry forward the profound friendship between China and Malaysia,” he said.
He said Yunnan stands ready to collaborate with Sarawak in implementing the strategic consensus forged by national leaders as China’s vital gateway to South and Southeast Asia.
“Through shared historical symbols like the Memorial Pavilion, we will strengthen our traditional friendship and continue to expand exchanges and cooperation in trade, education, culture, and tourism, contributing to the development of a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future,” said Wang.
