BARIO: A meaningful ceremony was held recently to commemorate the services and sacrifices of veterans and the families of Kelabit community fighters who once worked hand in hand with the Z-Semut special forces in resisting Japanese colonialism during World War II.
The Commemorative Token Presentation Ceremony was organised by the Sarawak Kelabit RURUM Association in collaboration with the Mulu Service Centre, and was officiated by the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala.
In his speech, Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemblyman, explained that Z-Semut, a special unit under the Allied-operated Z Force, carried out secret operations in the interior of Sarawak in 1945 with the full support of the locals, especially the Kelabit community.
“The courage and close cooperation between this special force and the local community formed the basis for the success in liberating the region from the clutches of the Japanese colonialists,” he said.
Gerawat further explained that the success of the operation was not only military, but also brought significant changes to the social and cultural landscape of the Kelabit community.
“Interaction with the outside world opened up new opportunities and inspired the younger generation of Kelabit to serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police after the war,” he added.
The ceremony was not only meant to commemorate the contributions of the past, but also to provide historical education to the younger generation so that they may appreciate the struggle and understand the important role of the local community in defending the homeland.
