KOTA KINABALU – Every year on this date, Sabah officials as well as representatives from Australia and New Zealand would gather at Jalan Tugu to commemorate the Australian and New Zealand (Anzac) soldiers who had fought and died during World War II in Sabah.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan who attended the solemn ceremony said that Anzac Day is to remind Sabahans of the ultimate sacrifice made by these war heroes who had perished in order to achieve the peace and security that future generations enjoyed till today.
It is also to acknowledge and remember the contribution of local freedom fighters who battled alongside their Anzac brothers against the Japanese occupation.
“Like usual, the ceremony is very significant and solemn. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and loyalty of the heroes who defended Sabah’s sovereignty and Malaysia’s, so our future generations could have a better future.
“Our local heroes had done something. Some had sacrificed their own lives, when the Anzac forces came to our aid, they were rescued. Therefore, we are observing the Anzac Day,” he said after the ceremony at the North Borneo War Monument along Jalan Tugu, here.
The monument was erected on May 8, 1923, originally a memorial for the fallen British soldiers during World War I, but later expanded to include the Anzac soldiers in World War II.
Jeffrey, who was representing Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, laid a wreath at the foot of the monument followed by representatives from the Australian High Commission and New Zealand’s high commissioner for Malaysia and Brunei.
Recalling his childhood, Kitingan said he has been told war stories by his parents and brothers – how they were forced to hide in holes near riverbanks to escape the atrocities of war in Tambunan.
“They told me planes were flying all over and soldiers also seen running everywhere… I can only imagine the sounds, which was very loud, and how my folks felt at the time.
“They would hide in holes near riverbanks and only return home at night. I wish I was there to experience this all,” he said. – The Vibes, April 24, 2022
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