Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar handing over the Jalur Gemilang to Gomez’s widow Angela Austin. — ANDRE OLIVEIRO/ The Star

KUCHING: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar says the valiant spirit portrayed by the late ASP (Rtd) Wilfred Gomez Malong against the terrorists during the peak of communist insurgency in the 70s should become a notable example for present and future policemen.

According to him, Gomez’s bravery can never be disputed.

“His determination in fighting against the terrorists showed his true commitment in protecting the country. The Government had awarded him with the highest honour for his contributions in maintaining the security and peace of the nation, which could not be disputed,” he said at Gomez’s funeral in Samarahan near here yesterday.

Ismail said the passing of the national hero was a great loss to the country.

He also conveyed his condolence to the family of the late Gomez, who was laid to rest at a Christian cemetery in Kampung Entinggan, Samarahan.

Also present to pay their last respects were Home Deputy Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop and Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ose Murang .

Gomez passed away last Saturday after almost a year battling a colon cancer at the age of 63.

He was a retired law practitioner and former secretary-general of the now defunct PBDS.

Gomez was the youngest recipient (at the age of 24 in 1974) of the country’s second highest gallantry award, the Pingat Gagah Berani following his heroic effort in a skirmish with 18 terrorists in Ulu Poi, Kanowit at the peak of the communist insurgency in Sarawak.

Gomez’s police stint began when he was seconded to the Border Scouts in 1971 after attending jungle warfare training in Bukit Siol here. He was later posted to Sibu which would eventually become part of the Rajang Security Command (Rascom).

He was asked to form the Special Branch Probing Unit during the height of the insurgency. He left Border Scouts in 1976 and was posted to the Crime Investigation Department (CID).

After his resignation in 1980, Gomez went on to read law at the University of Buckingham in London. He was subsequently called to the Bar of Malaya and also Bar of Sabah and Sarawak.

Notably, he also had experience in acting when he was cast in Farewell to the King, a Hollywood film featuring American actor Nick Nolte in 1989 and directed by John Milius. The movie was shot in Borneo.

While still being a lawyer, Gomez served as the third secretary-general of PBDS from 1995-1997.

He is survived by his wife Angela Austin, 41 as well as a son and a daughter, who live in London.

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