We owe it to the fallen heroes: Pairin
Published on: Thursday, April 27, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: The people will not be enjoying the peace and freedom they have now if not for our fighters who were brave enough to sacrifice, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan."They fought for us, thus the reason we hold this annual event to commemorate them, to remember the sacrifices in which locals also played a role in making sure peace and freedom was obtained," said Pairin, at a wreath- laying ceremony at the World War 1 Memorial, at Jalan Tugu, Wednesday. "We are here to pay respects to the warriors who were sacrificed in World War 1 and World War 2, whereby World War 2 includes British and Australian soldiers," said the Infrastructure Development Minister who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
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"We should be thankful for having the chance to remember our heroes each year and it is an annual event which should be remembered," he said. Among dignitaries present were the State Secretary, Federal Secretary, Mayor and those from the Sabah Police Contingent, Task Force 450, Naval Area 2, Air Region 2 and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. One of those who showed up to remember the war dead was Abdul Rahman Bidin, who has never missed attending the Anzac Day celebrations held annually. The 81-year-old, who works as a chief security guard in Taman Sierra had just completed his night shift, but that did not stop him from coming for the special day, donning his rarely worn blazer over his security guard uniform.
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"I used to serve in the army and the police force, but it was just for a short while. I was never fond of firearms and didn't have what it took to be in the army, but I have high respect for those who actually went out to the battlefield to fight for us. "I lost many relatives and friends who served during the war, thus the reason I make it a point to come here every year to commemorate those who had given their all to ensure we enjoy peace and freedom.
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"I also thank the State Government for making it a point to hold this event every year, it reminds us that peace can only be achieved if we are united," he said. The ceremony started with a 4km symbolic run participated by some 700 people including students and was flagged-off by Australia's High Commissioner to Malaysia Rod Smith at Padang Merdeka at 7.30am.The "Lest We Forget" run which ended at the City Hall building compound was held in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives to liberate Sabah from the Japanese Occupation during World War Two.It was also held to instil awareness on the contributions of ordinary people of Sabah who displayed extraordinary courage and performed many heroic deeds during the war.Among those who took part in the run was 19-year-old Jeremiah Nicholas Taimin from SMK Sanzac, a secondary school in the city with an acronym that stands for Sabah, Australia, New Zealand, Army Corps. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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