KUCHING: Sarawak's last surviving recipient of the nation's highest gallantry award Cpl (Rtd) Etin Jam has been laid to rest at the Heroes Grave here.
The Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) recipient was buried with full police honours on Friday (June 7) after a funeral service at St Thomas's Cathedral.
Rev Canon Roannie Cannidy from St Thomas' Cathedral led a brief burial service at the graveside.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah then handed over the Malaysian flag to Etin's eldest daughter Linda Nacha.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Buckland Bangik and Sarawak police commissioner Comm Datuk Mancha Ata.
Etin, 83, passed away at Miri Hospital on Tuesday (June 4) from lung cancer.
His remains were flown to Kuching on Thursday (June 6) for a wake at the Civic Centre.
Uggah conveyed condolences on behalf of the state government to Etin's family.
"We thank him for his sacrifice when our state faced threats.
"As a result, we enjoy the benefits of peace, prosperity and harmony today," he told reporters after the burial.
Uggah also called on the younger generation to emulate the bravery of heroes like Etin.
"Although we are not fighting any wars now, there are many challenges we need to face with the right attitude.
"By being brave and working together, we can ensure the future of our nation," he said.
Etin joined the police field force in 1963 as a constable in Battalion 14 at Temudok Camp, Sri Aman, before being transferred to Battalion 18 in Miri in 1971.
He was promoted to lance corporal in 1985 and to corporal in 1991, eventually retiring in 1995.
Etin received the SP for his bravery in facing an ambush by communist insurgents on April 29, 1972.
He was part of a team escorting a Public Works Department lorry carrying explosives for rock breaking when they suddenly came under fire at Mile 30 Jalan Ulu Oya, Mukah, which was surrounded by thick jungle. Etin and Cpl Ngalinuh Bala counter-attacked the insurgents' position, killing one of them and causing the rest to retreat.
For their valour, Etin and Ngalinuh were awarded the nation's highest honour by the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong on July 6, 1972.
Ngalinuh passed away in 2020.
