3 Sarawakians who fought against Communist rebels receive awards
SIBU: The deeds and sacrifices of three people during the Communist insurgency were appreciated at an investiture in conjunction with the 82nd birthday of Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud here yesterday.
They were former Sarawak police deputy commissioner, the late Datuk Seri Alli Kawi, Sergeant (Rtd) Awang Raweng and late assistant superintendent Mohamad Johnny Mustapha.
Alli, who played a role in the mass surrender of members of the Parti Komunis Kalimantan Utara (PKKU) in the Sri Aman and Kuching divisions, led by Bong Kee Chok on Oct 20, 1973, was conferred the posthumous award of Datuk Amar Bintang Kenyalang, which carries the title “Datuk Amar”.
Awang Raweng, 93, who was a former Iban Scout with the 10th Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment and had previously been awarded the highest George Cross medal, was conferred the Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak award, which carries the title “Datuk”.
Johnny, who was the commanding officer of the 15th Battalion of the Police field force in Sibu when he was killed in a communist ambush in Sungai Stabau, Sibu, on April 6, 1975, received the same medal posthumously.
Alli, who was represented by his wife, Datin Seri Fatimah Jamil, and Johnny, who was represented by his younger brother, Datuk Morshidi Mustapha, received the awards.
Awang was accompanied by his son, Panggau.
Also conferred the Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak award posthumously was the mother of Kapit member of parliament Datuk Alexander Linggi, the late Puan Sri Margaret Linggi.
Margaret, who was represented by her daughter, Melia Linggi, to receive the award, was active in preserving and promoting the Iban traditional weaving art known as “Ikat” through the Tun Jugah Foundation.
Heading the list of award recipients was the wife of the Sarawak chief minister, Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, who was conferred the Datuk Amar Bintang Kenyalang, which carries the title “Datuk Amar”.
Bintulu member of parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and former assistant minister Datuk Sharifah Mordiah Tuanku Fauzi received the Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak, which carries the title “Datuk Seri”.
Betong member of parliament, Robert Lawson Chuat and Assistant Utility Minister (Rural Electricity) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi received the Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang award, which carries the title “Datuk”.
Also receiving the same award are businessman Datuk Abdillah Abdul Rahim and Hii Teck Yun.
Six senior government servants — Sutin Shamat; Dr Wan Lizoman Wan Omar; Soedirman Aini; Sharbini Suhaili; Professors Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman and Ken Leben — were conferred the Darjah Jasa Bakti Sarawak, which carries the title “Datu”.
There were 12 recipients of the Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak award, which carries the title “Datuk”.