In their honour: Bangkuai (bowing) paying his respects to the fallen at the Sandakan Memorial Park.
KOTA KINABALU: To the families of the many fallen Australian and British allied servicemen, Sandakan will never be forgotten.
The Sabah east coast district was where more than 2,000 soldiers and civilians perished during World War II, mainly in the infamous Sandakan prisoner of war (POW) camp.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor offered words of solace to the families of the slain, saying that Sandakan, despite its dark history, will always remember them.
“This is an opportune time for us to reflect on their sacrifices.
“Our desire for peace must be stronger and war should never prevail. Holding this date in remembrance has fostered a resonance between Australia, Britain and Sabah.
“Sabah, and specifically Sandakan, will always welcome you and your families,” he said at the 79th Sandakan Memorial Day ceremony held at the Sandakan Memorial Park yesterday.
His speech was delivered by state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who led the placing of wreaths.
Hajiji praised the bravery and sacrifices of Australian and British allied soldiers as well as the many civilians who perished in the Sandakan POW camp.
“Not far away from this exact spot in mid-1942, many soldiers were moved from the prisoner camp. Those chosen were the fit ones selected to transfer goods on foot, deep into the intense Bornean jungles and all the way to Ranau over 260km away,” he said, referring to the Sandakan-Ranau Death March.
“With supplies up to 25kg each, they walked through rain and humid weather, and in the treacherous journey, many succumbed to illnesses.
“I am humbled that every year, many of you make your way here for this solemn ceremony to honour and remember the brave Australian and British allied soldiers, including many civilians who perished in the Sandakan POW camp,” Hajiji said.
The Chief Minister also asked attendees to remember local folk who took risks in helping the allied soldiers and lost their lives in the process.
“Let us honour them as heroes,” he said.
He commended the Sandakan Municipal Council, Sabah Tourism Board and the organising committee for their continued dedication to honouring the fallen men and keeping their memory alive.
“Special thanks to the Office of Australian War Graves and to the Australian and British high commissions in Malaysia for your continuous support in ensuring this part of history is remembered and commemorated.
“May we continue to remember this shared history of our nations here in Sandakan,” Hajiji added.
Australian High Commissioner Danielle Heinecke, who attended the event, said of the 2,434 prisoners, only six – all Australians – escaped the brutal conditions and were cared for by Sabahans.
“In places like Sandakan, I am reminded of how great the reach of conflict was, how far away from home Australians served and died.“Sandakan Memorial Day is also a day of reflection as we remember the sacrifices of local Sabahans who came to our rescue.“
Australia and Malaysia have a deep history of partnership, support and respect, and I am pleased the memory of Sandakan lives on, across generations,” she said in her address.
The British High Commission was represented by Acting Deputy High Commissioner Tom Shepherd.
