KOTA KINABALU: Every year, Sabah observes Anzac Day to commemorate not only prisoners of war (POWs) but also Malaysians who risked their lives to help these victims.
It is these sacrifices and bonds which were later forged that helped prisoners during the Second World War (WWII) survive just a little longer, and for them to feel compassion during those last moments of life, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Today, as we reflect on the shared histories of Australia, Britain and Malaysia, we recognise that the bonds between our peoples were forged not only through conflict, but also through compassion.
“The legacy of those who suffered in Sandakan remains inseparable from the legacy of those who helped them survive, even if only for a little longer,” he said at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Sandakan Memorial Park yesterday.
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Sandakan MP Vivian Wong.
In his remarks, he said thousands of Australian and British POWs endured brutal conditions in camps across South-East Asia during WWII, including in Sandakan.
“The camps in Sandakan and Ranau became a symbol of suffering brought about by atrocities – cruelty, starvation, forced labour and the infamous death marches, which took the lives of nearly all who were held captive.
“Yet even in the darkest circumstances, humanity endured. Villagers and their families risked their lives to help the prisoners.”
He said Sabah remembered with pride the brave local people who took those risks to offer shelter and care.
Each prisoner who survived owed his life to those who protected and supported him until the possibility of rescue could be reached, he said.
“Helping these prisoners was a serious offence, punishable by beatings or death, but these villagers acted because it was the right thing to do,” Hajiji said.
The Chief Minister said the villagers’ brave act is an example that even in moments of great darkness, everyone has the capacity to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Today, we honour the service and sacrifice of the men who were prisoners of war here,” he said, adding that the humanity shown to them by locals was a ray of light in an unimaginably terrible period.
Anzac Day, observed on April 25 every year, is a day of commemoration in Australia and New Zealand to honour the victims of war and their sacrifices.
The Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates the death of more than 2,400 Australian and British POWs in Sandakan, and on the death marches to Ranau.
