Younger generation must honour sacrifices of our defence forces
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to never take the country’s freedom, peace and prosperity for granted, saying they were secured through the sacrifices of the nation’s security forces.
He said the younger generation must remember and honour those who gave their lives defending the country.
“The current generation must never forget that this country enjoys freedom, independence, peace and prosperity because of the service and sacrifices of our defence forces,” he told reporters after the National Warriors’ Day Parade at Dataran Pahlawan Negara yesterday.
Anwar was speaking after watching the pantomime Darah Pahlawan Ulu Legong, which re-enacted the Oct 29, 1981, battle in Ulu Legong, Baling, Kedah, where seven soldiers were killed fighting communists.
“It was a truly compelling, powerful and heart-wrenching performance. We were deeply moved because it was not merely a drama.
“They did not merely fight; they made the ultimate sacrifice. That is why I extend my appreciation to the Chief of Defence Force for showcasing this and reminding the current generation of the true meaning of independence, that independence came at the price of sacrifice,” he said, Bernama reported.
Earlier, Anwar met Pbt Md Said Adam, one of the two surviving soldiers from the Ulu Legong ambush, and family members of fallen personnel.
Held under the theme “Mengenang Jasa, Mengukuh Pertahanan”, the parade paid tribute to members of the security forces who served during the Emergency and Confrontation eras.
The ceremony began with the sounding of the “Last Post” as the Jalur Gemilang was lowered in honour of the fallen.
The highlight was the pantomime depicting the Ulu Legong battle through the perspective of families awaiting the return of their loved ones, followed by a recital of the poem Tujuh Perwira, Sebuah Tanah Air, commemorating the seven soldiers who were killed and their two surviving comrades.
Among the verses recited were: “Ulu Legong bled yesterday, planting independence today; Ulu Legong bled yesterday, watering the peace that we inherited.”
The ceremony concluded with the sounding of the “Dawn Beat” as the Jalur Gemilang was raised once again, symbolising the continuation of the nation’s struggle and its commitment to defending Malaysia’s sovereignty.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Chief of Defence Force Jen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman, and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
