Sarawakians’ sacrifices during Confrontation must not be forgotten, says Deputy Premier

KUCHING (Aug 28): The sacrifices of servicemen and contributions of local communities during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation must continue to be remembered, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said Sarawak was directly affected by the Confrontation, with servicemen and local communities playing important roles during the challenging period.

“As we mark this milestone, we remember the courage and sacrifices of the servicemen from Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Brigade of Gurkhas, as well as the contributions of Sarawakians and Sabahans,” he said in a speech read by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the Sarawak River Cruise Dinner here.

The dinner, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division, was held in conjunction with the commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Malaysia-Indonesia Peace Agreement 1966, which brought an end to the Confrontation.

Dr Sim said the signing of the agreement six decades ago ended the conflict and opened a new chapter of peace, friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Looking back, he said one of the key lessons from the period was that peace should never be taken for granted.

“It takes courage, understanding and, sometimes, difficult decisions to bring an end to conflict and build better relations,” he said.

He said Sarawak now enjoyed close relations with Indonesia, with both sides sharing longstanding historical, cultural, trade and people-to-people ties.

Dr Sim said the commemoration also provided an opportunity to reflect on how far the region had come since the years of Confrontation.

“We should remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, appreciate the peace we have today, and continue to build good relations with our neighbours and friends,” he said.

Meanwhile, Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak and Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division president Dato Sri Richard Wee said the younger generation might find it difficult to imagine the fear and uncertainty experienced by communities in border areas more than six decades ago.

He said political instability often affected ordinary people most severely, with some families even forced to leave their homes and communities.

“Therefore, today, we are not merely commemorating a historical event; we are also remembering a lesson from history.

“Through this commemoration, we hope to remind more people of the importance of cherishing the peace we have today,” he said.

Wee also paid tribute to veterans from Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, as well as their families, for their sacrifices and contributions to the peace enjoyed in the region today.

He said those who had served and those who lost their lives during the Confrontation should continue to be remembered with gratitude and respect.

“Today, Malaysia and Indonesia are friendly neighbours. We have developed close ties in trade, the economy, culture and people-to-people relations.

“It is because of the long-lasting peace that we have had the opportunity to share in prosperity,” he said.

Also present were Senator Robert Lau and the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau.