Published on: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 |
Labuan: A former British sub-mariner, who undertook dangerous missions during the communist insurgency in then Malaya was naturally elated when he was named as recipient of a PJM medal in conjunction with 2007 Malaysia Day.
Kenneth Winston Barret was informed by phone from Kuala Lumpur to be present in the Federal Capital on Aug 27 for the presentation.
"I was naturally happy and honoured that my role in fighting communist insurgents in Malaysia was recognised," he said.
However, it is 18 months and Barret is yet to see the medal. It seems to have gone missing, and his earlier elation is turning to frustration.
Barret said he served in the electronics section of the sub-marine service and attached with British sub-marine based in Singapore under SBS (Special Boat Section)."
From there he went on a number of missions fighting the communist insurgents who were intent on taking over Malaya. Apart from serving in Malaysia he had also served in United Kingdom (Newcastle). When his naval history ended he went to Russia and from there convinced by a friend came to Labuan on the first week of August 2007 and opened an Irish Bar.
It was while working here that he was informed by KL that a medal was awaiting presentation to him.
"However, during the presentation day I was not able to attend but I left a forwarding address. But now after a series of correspondence with the Defence Section or the British Embassy, Malaysian High Commission in London and Brunei, the medal appears to have gone missing," said a disappointed Barret.
He said he valued the medal and hoped that there would be more respect for men who risked their lives in the Malayan jungles, to secure freedom.
He added that he was not putting matters to rest and would continue to pursue it even though he had got no response to queries sent to the Malaysian High Commissions in London and Brunei.
He said the last time he was told was that the medal was returned to Malaysian High Commission in London. He hoped that if the medal could be traced it would be forwarded to him at Jalan Pohon Batu, Kampong Laju, Lot 54, Lazenda Villa (5), Labuan.
