KUCHING: Former police and military personnel have welcomed the ‘Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Sarawak’ (PJPS) medal as a long-awaited recognition of their service and sacrifices during the communist insurgency and other periods of armed conflict in the state.
Retired police officer Abas Seruji said he was moved to receive the state medal years after leaving the Royal Malaysia Police.
Abas served in the police force for 37 years, seven months and 15 days before retiring in 2010 with the rank of inspector.
He began his career during the Emergency in 1972 and later moved to general duties before joining the Royal Malaysia Police band in Sarawak.
After receiving specialist training in music, conducting and musical arrangement, he eventually served as the band’s director of music.
“I am touched that there is still a medal for us even though we left the police force a long time ago.
“Thank you to the Sarawak government for continuing to remember the veterans,” he said after receiving the award at an investiture ceremony held at Pullman Hotel on Thursday (Aug 6).
Abas also welcomed the decision to recognise eligible personnel from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah who had served alongside Sarawakians in the state.
“We served in a mixed force comprising personnel from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.”
Retired Armed Forces personnel Zainudin Mami, 74, said the medal represented recognition of the veterans’ struggle while serving in Sarawak.
Zainudin served in the military for 10 years, including more than two years in Sarawak during the communist insurgency.
“I am very happy to receive this medal. This is what I wanted; recognition of our struggle in the military while serving in Sarawak.”
Another recipient, retired police personnel Murzianah Kamre, 79, said she served in the police force for 31 years after joining in 1964.
She was among a group of 40 women from different ethnic backgrounds who served during a period marked by the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, activities involving the North Kalimantan National Army and the communist insurgency.
Murzianah, who was based in Kuching, recalled seeing helicopters regularly transporting casualties during the conflicts.
“There were many incidents at the time. Some personnel were killed, and others were injured.”
She also served in the prosecution division and spent 17 years attached to Radio Televisyen Malaysia, where she helped produce police programmes, Malay-language news and dramas.
Murzianah expressed gratitude that the contributions of former personnel continued to be remembered decades after their retirement.
“We never expected to receive an award, but we are grateful that someone still remembers us even after such a long time.”
She advised the younger generation to consider joining the uniformed services while being prepared to observe the strict discipline required of personnel.
Retired serviceman Nelus Nyelang said he joined the Armed Forces in 1974 and had served in Sri Aman during his career.
He recalled that communist activities had ended following the peace agreement in 1989 and said he was pleased that former personnel were being recognised for their service.
“I am happy. Everyone who is eligible should be able to receive it. That is not a problem.”
Meanwhile, retired soldier Jugah Kaseh, 69, said he was delighted to receive the medal after retiring nearly 20 years ago.
Jugah served in the Armed Forces for 21 years, including more than two years in Sarawak, where he took part in operations to track communist militants.
He recalled serving in areas, including Kapit and Song, where troops responded to information from villagers about suspected militant activity.
“I am very happy because I retired a long time ago, but I have now received this medal.”
Jugah, who attended the ceremony with his wife, said conditions for military trainees had improved significantly since his time in service.
Jugah also expressed relief that the country was now peaceful after the difficult conditions experienced by security personnel in the past.
“The country is peaceful now, and I am happy to see that.”
