A SARAWAK hero who helped defeat the communist insurgency in the 1970s died this morning – a month after coming to Kuala Lumpur to show support for recipients of the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), the nation’s highest gallantry award.
Corporal Etim Anak Bijam died at the Miri Hospital this morning. He was 86.
His eldest daughter Linda Itim said that her father was admitted to the hospital one week ago. He was suffering from lung cancer.
“He believed that our nation’s heroes need to be treated better for the sacrifices they made,” she said, adding that Etim will be buried at the Miri Anglican cemetery.
Etim was awarded the SP by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in July 1972.
A fellow comrade, Superintendent (R) Datuk Paul Kiong, a Special Branch operative who fought the communists by going undercover for several years, said Etim led an exemplary life through sacrifices for the nation, family and community.
Etim was part of a group of Police Field Force personnel who were escorting a convoy of lorries in Sibu, Sarawak, when they were ambushed in 1971. The communist insurgents were eyeing the explosives in the convoy.
Despite being wounded and outnumbered, Etim fought back, holding his ground until backup arrived.
In an earlier interview, Etim said he was grateful that he survived the shootout but added that more can be done for the nation’s heroes.
This was echoed by Kiong who had suggested initiatives such as fast lanes at government hospitals, considering that only four SP out of the original 11 recipients are still alive today.
“We are not asking for RM10,000 or RM20,000 but just to review the allowance to cope with our current costs of living. That is all that we’re asking for.
“We are grateful to the government but I believe they can do more, especially with the prosperity and the peace that we brought to the country,” Kiong had said at an award presentation in Kuala Lumpur last month.
About 70% of security force pensioners are believed to be in the B40 group. – June 4, 2024.
Decorated Sarawak hero who fought against communists dies
Corporal Etim Anak Bijam, 86, recipient of the nation’s highest gallantry award, succumbs to illness.
Updated 2 years ago · Published on 04 Jun 2024 2:45PM
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