Awang deserves a datukship – DAP Sri Aman
KUCHING: DAP Sri Aman has submitted the name of George Cross recipient, Awang Raweng, for consideration to be conferred the Datukship in the Yang di Pertuan Agong’s birthday honour list in September.
Its chief Leon Jimat Donald said a recommendation for Datukship from the Agong is a fair acknowledgement for Awang’s sacrifice to the country.
He also said the datukship would be a recognition for Awang’s gallantry so that he (Awang) would be forever remembered throughout the Commonwealth. His place in history as a ‘Bujang Berani’ would finally be respected.
“I have written a letter to Deputy Minister of Defence Liew Chin Tong and Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen on this matter,” said Leon, who is also DAP Sarawak vice- chairman.
Awang is the only Sarawakian (or Malaysian) to be awarded Britain’s highest civilian award, the George Cross, on Nov 20, 1951.
It was awarded for his gallantry actafterhis10Platoon,‘D’Company, 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in Malaya was attacked by 50 communist terrorists during a patrol in Johor at the time.
After the formation of the Federation of Malaysia in Sept 1963, he was regularly invited to attend the biennial Victoria Cross and George Cross Veterans Day gathering at Buckingham Palace in London, England.
Leon claimed that Awang had been promised many times a datukship by Barisan Nasional leaders, but it has never materialised due to reasons unknown.
Awang is also not invited to Sarawak and federal functions.
“For a fact, the practice in any Commonwealth country, the George Cross holder is honoured and revered, but alas in Malaysia, our Dayak hero is ignored. How the Sarawak civil service and the BN leaders can be so ignorant on this manner of protocol is astounding.
“I would like the Pakatan Harapan government to take this opportunity to right the wrongs and show the way forward, by recognising and honouring our Dayak hero. We, from DAP Sri Aman, wish that this honour can be bestowed on him while he is still alive,” said Leon.