National hero Major Michael Riman honoured with granite memorial tombstone
KUCHING: The state government has dedicated a new granite tombstone engraved with the words ‘Rimau Garang Batang Malaya, Dengah Mudah Diberi Raja’ in honour of national hero, the late Major Michael Riman Bugat.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who presided over the ceremony at the Sarawak Heroes Memorial at Jalan Taman Budaya here yesterday, said it was the state’s token of appreciation for the late Michael’s contributions to the country.
“The late Major Michael is a beacon of hope, resilience and unwavering courage – a ‘Bujang Berani’ who was well-respected and known for his humble a itude, and being strict in duties.
“When the odds were against him, he had stood firm – driven by a sense of duty and a strong will to protect what he held dear. His sacrifice and acts of valour were instrumental in forming the foundation of peace and freedom we are enjoying today,” said Uggah.
The late Michael was conferred the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) – Malaysia’s second highest gallantry award – by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 6, 1984 for his extraordinary valour in fighting against the communists in Gopeng, Perak in 1977, as well as during a ba le with the communists in Sarawak.
He died at Sarawak General Hospital on Aug 7, 2023 at the age of 71.
Also a ending the ceremony were Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and LtGen (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw.