Anzac Day ceremonies in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan
Published on: Sat, Apr 26, 2025 Text Size: Danielle (centre) laying the wreath at the KK Memorial. Kota Kinabalu: Anzac Day ceremonies took place here and in Sandakan, Thursday. In the State Capital, it was held at the World War I Memorial Monument, Jalan Tugu. The ceremony began with a salute and the marching in of the monument guards by members of the Australian military, followed by the playing of the national anthems 'Negaraku', 'Sabah Tanah Airku', and 'Advance Australia Fair'. This was followed by the sounding of the Last Post as a tribute to the fallen heroes. The wreath-laying ceremony was initiated by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and attended by Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke. In SANDAKAN, Hajiji said many Prisoners of War suffered in the district and also Ranau, as well as civilians, under cruel and heartbreaking circumstances. He said the POW experience was especially heartbreaking. His speech was delivered by Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee. Present were Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, Chief of Australian Navy, Lieutenant General, Simon Stuart, Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung, Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, Karamunting Assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin, Deputy Sandakan Police Chief Supt Ramasamy Kuppan, Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Dr Arthur Chung, representing Chief Conservator of Sabah Datuk Frederick Kugan. This year commemorates the 80th year of the end of World War II in 1945. The Japanese invaded Borneo on Dec 16, 1941 by landing a force at Miri in Sarawak. On Jan 3, 1942, Japanese forces entered Sabah via Labuan and 16 days later, they arrived at Sandakan. The people of Sabah endured three and a half years of Japanese occupation. The first group of Prisoners of War arrived at Sandakan in July 1942, and more came in April 1943. 'We heard or read about how the local people were shocked by the cruel treatment the men suffered. We remember with pride that some local people took risks to offer help to the men by smuggling food, medicines, and messages into the prison camp,' he said. Only six prisoners of war survived the ordeal. They showed tremendous courage risking their lives to escape from the death marches and from Ranau in desperate attempts to stay alive. Others who escaped, died in the jungles or in shelters the local people provided them. Many more starved and many sick men died or were murdered at Sandakan, on the death marches and at Ranau. 'Each man who survived owed his life to the brave local people who sheltered and cared for them until they could be rescued,' he said. The survivors provided a record of the atrocities committed against the Prisoners of War and many had the courage to testify against their tormenters in war crimes trials after the war. Many of the Prisoners of War who suffered here now rest in peace in the soil of Sabah and within the Labuan War Cemetery. 'Here, at the Sandakan Memorial Park, we remember the suffering, courage and endurance of all the Australian and British prisoners of war,' said. 'This memorial is a partnership between our peoples to ensure they are never forgotten,' he added. On Anzac Day, we honour the service and sacrifice of the men who were prisoners of war here. The humanity shown to them by the local people was a ray of light in their unimaginably terrible time. The legacy of those who lived and died during that terrible time is the lasting bond between our peoples. 'Together, we will ensure they are not forgotten.' He added. Meanwhile, Danielle said, it is also an honor for them to be in Sandakan for the Anzac Day where in Australia, it also marks as their national holiday and few students also come here as well as the POW family members and friends. 'Off course we also will encourage our peoples to came here and visits Sandakan,' she said. She also thank Sandakan Municipal Council, Sabah Forestry and Sabah Tourism Board and related agencies which involved at the commemoration every year in Sandakan. While one of local Sabah, late Lagan Arnesto son, Alban Joseph Lagan, who also came at the event said, it is also great honor to here, where his father also one of Sabahan who help the POW and he died in Khucing, Sarawak during the war time. Sharing his experience, he said, during the war, he only 7, and always saw the POW marching in front of their house in St.Mary, Sandakan and will never forgotten the history. Meanwhile, Frankie said, he had the honour of attending the Anzac Day 2025 Dawn Service held at the Sandakan Memorial Park – a solemn ceremony that pays tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, especially the POW. He added, Anzac Day serves as a powerful reminder of the price of peace and the depth of human resilience. 'We are reminded of the suffering endured by thousands of Allied soldiers, particularly the Australian and British POWs, during their internment in Sandakan.' He said. Their bravery and endurance continue to inspire future generations to uphold the values of courage, unity, and humanity. 'Sabah and Sandakan in particular, hold a special place in this shared history, and we remain committed to preserving that legacy through respect, education, and continued bilateral engagement.' He stressed. At the same program, after the dawn service, Vivian and Danielle officiate the Sandakan Memorial Park Interpretive Pavillion which re-dedicated April, 25 in rememberance of all those who suffered and died here, on the death marches, and at Ranau, also with ongoing gratitude to the local people who risked their lives to assist them. The original Sandakan Interpretive Pavilion was built in 1999, predominantly of hardwood timber. Due to the harsh tropical climate in Sandakan, the original pavilion was demolished in 2023 as it had reached the end of its usable life. The photo below shows the front of the original pavilion. The original dedication plaques were retained and are to the left of this panel. The original Sandakan Interpretive Pavilion was built in 1999, predominantly of hardwood timber. Due to the harsh tropical climate in Sandakan, the original pavilion was demolished in 2023 as it had reached the end of its usable life. While the original dedication plaques were retained and are to the left of this panel. The Sandakan Interpretive Pavilion was constructed in 2024 from termite and weather-resistant materials. In an effort to preserve the heritage of the original pavilion, some features of the original pavilion were incorporated into the refurbished pavilion, including the timber cladding used on this wall, the wooden seats (inside and outside the pavilion), the decorative gates to the left of the main entrance, and the stained-glass window. Vivian thank the Australian government for giving the fund to renovate the pavilion which will give a memory to all especially the POW friends and family who came here. Earlier, Anzac Day welcoming dinner held at Ballroom Livingston Hotel, here officiate by Vivian, representing Hajiji. Also present, Danielle and other guest from the POW friends and family who came to commemorate Anzac Day 2025. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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