KOTA KINABALU: To the many family members of Australian and British allied servicemen, Sandakan will always be a place that holds both tragedy and great sacrifice.
The Sabah East Coast district was the site where more than 2,000 soldiers and civilians perished during World War II, particularly in the infamous Sandakan prisoner of war (POW) camp.
On Thursday (Aug 15), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor offered words of solace to the families of the fallen, saying Sandakan, despite its dark history, will always have a place for them.
“Holding this date in remembrance has fostered a resonance between Australia, Britain, and Sabah,” he said, at the Sandakan Memorial Day ceremony.
“Sabah and specifically Sandakan will always welcome you and your families.
“This morning is an opportune time for us to reflect on their sacrifices.
“Our desire for peace must be stronger and that war should not prevail,” he said.
His speech was delivered by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who led the placing of wreaths at the Sandakan Memorial Park.
The bravery and sacrifices of the Australian and British allied soldiers, as well as many civilians who perished in the Sandakan POW camp, Hajiji said.
“Not far away from this exact spot, 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 25kgs 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 (family members of the fallen) make your way to this solemn ceremony to honour and remember the more than 2,000 brave Australian and British allied soldiers, including many civilians who perished in the Sandakan POW camp,” Hajiji said.
The Chief Minister also asked the attendees to remember the local people who took the risk and lost their lives in helping these allied soldiers.
“Let us honour them and the rest of the individuals as heroes,” he said.
He commended the Sandakan Municipal Council, Sabah Tourism Board, and the organising committee for their continued dedication to honouring these fallen men and keeping their stories alive.
“Special thanks to the Office of Australian War Graves and the Australian and British High Commissions 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 said.
