Sarawakians feel safer within M’sia — Kanang

SRI AMAN: Kanang Langkau, 65, a retired soldier with the rare honour of having been conferred two gallantry awards, yesterday sang praises for Sarawak’s independence through Malaysia.

He said the participation of Sarawak and also Sabah, in the formation of Malaysia in 1963 had brought much benefit to the two states in terms of peace and security.

“After becoming a part of Malaysia, we in Sarawak no longer harbour any fear of foreign threats.

“In fact, we feel safer and are able to better focus on development,” he told Bernama when approached at the Malaysia Day celebration in the Sri Aman.

Kanang, of the Dayak community, had joined the Sarawak Rangers as an Iban Tracker on April 21, 1962 and was absorbed into the Malaysian Rangers when Malaysia was proclaimed on Sept 16, 1963.

He retired from the service after 21 years as Warrant Officer 1.

He was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa and the Panglima Gagah Berani awards by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1981 and 1987, respectively.

The awards were for the bravery he showed when he attacked communist insurgents who numbered more than his own team of soldiers and killed five of the enemy and captured equipment as well in the Korbu Forest Reserve on June 1, 1979.

Kanang said Sarawak was fortunate to have joined Malaysia because the people lived in peace and were united regardless of race and religion.

He said the new generation of Malaysians should be made aware of the need to remain united in the spirit of 1Malaysia which transcended race and religion.

“In Sarawak, it is important to maintain unity among the people and ensure that they are not marginalised from development and progress,” he said.

The Sri Aman Division Malaysia Day celebration was launched by Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim. — Bernama

She said in her speech that in the 47 years following Sarawak’s independence through Malaysia, the state had enjoyed peace and intensive development and had achieved many successes not only at the national level but also in the global arena.

“Appreciate the peace and progress because they have not come easily but through the struggles of our past leaders whom we should remember on this 16th day of September,” she said.

Fifty-five contingents from various federal and state government agencies and non-governmental organisations participated in the Malaysia Day parade held at the Sri Aman sports field. — Bernama


September 17, 2010, Friday