KUCHING: The passing of the late Datuk Awang Raweng GC has left a vacuum in the world of the fearless.
His demise emptied the hall of bravery among the defenders of Malaysian security, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
He noted that the late Awang’s contributions are one of a kind as it was the British government which gave him the honour.
“The late Awang Raweng left a vacuum in the hall of bravery among the defenders of Malaysia security.
“For his bravery, he was awarded George Cross medal by the Queen of England. He is the sole Malaysian given that honour for bravery by the British government,” he said in a statement today.
Masing who is also the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, further recalled his shared moment with the national hero when the party held fundraising programme to enable the late Awang to attend the Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday few years back.
“I met him a few years ago when PRS collected funds which enabled him and his grandsons to attend the Queen’s birthday in London when he was invited by the Queen.
“I wish his bravery could have been given better recognition by the Malaysian government.
“He was, after all, defending the security of Malaysia, not the security of England,” said Masing.
The late Awang was a former Iban scout with the 10th Platoon, D Company, First Battalion of the Worchestershire Regiment, who was highly respected for his exploits against communist terrorists in the year 1951.
For the record, Awang’s George Cross (GC), awarded on Nov 20, 1951, is the second highest award in the United Kingdom’s honours system after the Victoria Cross (VC).
He passed away at his son’s residence in Sri Aman around 2.15pm last Friday. He was 91 years old at the time of his death.
