BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & RASHEEQA BAHIDA
KUCHING: The 80th anniversary of Sarawak’s liberation from Japanese Occupation on Sept 11, 1945 should not only commemorate the victory but also honour the sacrifices of those who made it possible.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the sacrifices include the Allied Forces from Australia, Britain, New Zealand, Canada and beyond who fought with courage on Sarawak soil, the local Sarawakian heroes who resisted occupation in the jungles and villages and the civilians and victims of war who endured suffering and loss those dark years.
“The Sarawak World War II Liberation Monument is our promise that their courage will never be forgotten.
“War leaves scars on nation, on families, and on generations. This is why we gather to remind ourselves that peace, freedom, and security cannot be taken for granted.
“They must be defended, nurtured and passed on to those who come after us,” he said.
He said this in his speech during unveiling of the monument at Pending Port here on Thursday (Sept 11).
Dr Sim added that younger generation must understand that the opportunities they enjoy today were paid for with sacrifice and courage.
“The event this week, the unveiling of the monument, the re-enactment of Sim Kheng Hong Wharf, the commemoration at Batu Lintang are not just ceremonies. They are lessons in history and responsibility.
“I wish to comment the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Datuk Wee Hong Seng for always thinking beyond traditional municipal services,” he added.
By constructing the monument at Pending Point, Dr Sim said that MBKS has not only preserved an important chapter of the state’s history but has also created a heritage that will educate future generation, honour those who served and suffered and contribute to tourism and local economy, turning history into a source of learning and growth for our community.
“This is how remembrance becomes renewal, how we ensure the past guides the future.
“As we unveil this monument, let it stand as a tribute to the bravery of soldiers, the resilience of Sarawakians and the enduring spirit of freedom.
“Let it remind us that freedom is never free, it demands courage to win it, wisdom to preserve it and unity to protect it for generations to come,” he said.
Several dignitaries including Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew were present during the unveiling of the monument.
