KUALA LUMPUR, Nov
13 — A monument is expected to be built in Rabung Hijau, Kampar,
Perak in remembrance of British and Indian troops from the 11th Indian
Infantry Division that fought in the country against the Japanese Occupation
in World War II.
Malaysian Armed
Forces Sikh Veterans Association (MAFSVA) vice-president, (Army) Major
(Rtd) Harjit Singh Rendawa said the association was waiting for the
Perak state government to gazette the area as a heritage site, being
one of the few battlefields in the Kampar vicinity during the war.
He said at the
moment, the planning had been finalised, and once a decision was made
by the state government, construction of the historic monument would
begin.
“It will
take approximately six months to complete...the layout design for the
monument has been completed,” he told reporters after a ceremony
to mark the 75th Year (1941-2016) Service Commemoration of the British
and Indian troops, at the National Monument, here, today.
The monument in
Kampar is to signify the engagement involving British and Indian troops
against the Japanese forces.
On Dec 27, 1941,
to prevent the capture of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Kuala Lumpur
to the Japanese, the 11th Indian Infantry Division occupied Kampar,
which offered a strong natural defensive position.
The Japanese intended
to capture Kampar as a New Year gift to Emperor Hirohito. However, they
were defeated by the Allied Forces.
On today’s
ceremony, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell said
it was significant to remember those who fought for freedom and peace
during the war.
“It is crucial
for the present generation to know the history, besides paying their
respects and remembering those who had given everything, including their
lives.
“It is an
important occasion for us to show gratitude and respect to those who
suffered injuries and lost their lives,” she said.
Meanwhile, director
of the Operations and Training Division, Malaysian Armed Forces, Brig
Gen. Datuk S. Mahendra said this symbolic ceremony should be carried
on in years to come.
“We should
not forget but remember those who sacrificed their lives for us,”
he said.
Earlier, over 200
representatives from various countries observed two minutes of silence
in honour of the heroes, who died in two world wars.
The Remembrance
Day ceremony was also attended by foreign ambassadors, high commissioners
and defence advisers from over 20 countries including Australia, Canada,
United States, France, Africa and Pakistan, as well as representatives
from the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Organised by the
British High Commission here, the event ended with the traditional laying
of wreaths at the base of the Cenotaph, an apt tribute to those who
gave their lives in the name of peace.
Also present at
the ceremony was Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, son of Yang
Dipertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.
— Bernama
