PGB Warrior

2022-07-13T22:51:00.002-07:00

APPEALING TO LIEUTENANT ALAN LEE'S NEXT-OF-KINS TO CLAIM HIS SKULL IN SARAWAK. I'm taking a long shot through my blog here. Hoping this message can get to the NOK of Alan Lee. S Lt Alan Lee was the Resident of Lingga, a District in the 2nd Division of Sarawak, during the reign of Rajah Charles Brooke in the 19th Century. He was killed in a battle against the Iban Warrior called Rentap on 24 April 1853. His head was kept by another Iban Warrior as his war trophy. It was passed on through his generation till this day. The head-hunting days in Sarawak is long gone and the skulls that used to adorn long houses have also disappeared, with the exception of a few including Alan Lee's. Today the modern generation of the Warrior who killed Alan Lee do not want to keep the head any more and wish to see it buried with the headless body of Alan Lee in the Old Cemetery in Kuching, Sarawak. I have tried to get help from the Sarawak Government and even the British Consulate in Kuala Lumpur but the response I got was not promising. From the response I got, the State Government seemed reluctant to handle the matter. I don't know the reasons. In matters like this, it should not be politicised. It is a humanitarian issue. The skull must be buried together with the body. If my approach seemed to meet a dead end, perhaps the best way is for the NOK of Alan Lee to appeal to the Govt of Sarawak to help out with the case. The NOK can contact me through my email: rizalbob@gmail.com/ I will provide all the details required. Lt Col Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB rizalbob@gmail.com Perak, Malaysia.

2022-04-04T19:59:00.001-07:00

MY MERRY-GO-ROUND IN MY EFFORT TO UNITE THE HEAD WITH THE BODY OF LT ALAN LEE, THE RESIDENT OF LINGGA OF THE BROOKE ERA IN SARAWAK. Lt Alan Lee was killed by an Iban Warrior named Layang during a battle with Rentap in Skrang on 24 April 1853. Layang kept the head as his prized trophy and had passed it through his generation till this day. One of his last generation had contacted me to help him dispose the skull. He does not want to be burdened with its safekeeping anymore. Perhaps the Authority can reunite the head with the headless body of the poor Alan Lee who was buried at the Old Cemetry in Kuching, Sarawak. I tried contacting the Authority. No response. The other Department came to have a look at the skull but did not take subsequent actions. Don't know why. Perhaps they have their own reasons. I contacted the British Consulate. Also a dead end. It is not in their charter of duties. I was hoping at least they could refer me to any relevant Authority instead of telling me to do my own searches for the relevant Authority. I am now going the full circle. The responsibility rests with the Sarawak Government. I was told the NOK of Lt Alan Lee did come to Sarawak in search of the missing head but was unsuccessful. He found only his sword. If this news come to his attention, he can contact me through my email rizalbob@gmail.com/

2021-06-25T09:43:00.004-07:00

MY BOOKS ARE ON SALE.

The covid19 pandemic has disrupted my plan to launch my two books in Kuching, Sarawak in 2019. Anyway, the books are on sale online now. Sms me, Robert Rizal, at 6012 2751171 or email me at rizalbob@gmail.com/ Most have been sold. I have limited stocks now. Those interested in Malaysia's military history, especially during the time of CPM's phase 2 of the Emergency.

1. 3rd Battalion Malaysia Rangers. Language: English. Price: RM60 (excluding postage) Quality: Hardcover. Pages glossy paper. 170 pages. Nail-biting stories of valour.

2. Perjalananku (My biography). a BM translation of My Adventure.

Language: Bahasa Malaysia.

Price: RM35 (excluding postage).

Quality: Paperback. 200 pages. Lots of actions and adventure.

3. The Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers 1948 - 1963. This band of elite paramilitary Iban Trackers brought from Sarawak were an indispensable part of the Commonwealth Forces that fought the Communist Terrorists during Malaya's 1st Emergency. They later became a full-pledge military unit called The Sarawak Rangers. The British loved this unit and took them to become a part of the British Army but sadly was disbanded when Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963. Read about their exploits of bravery.

Language: English.

Price: RM30 (excluding postage)

Quality: Paperback. 125 pages.

Immortalising my three battles with the Communist Terrorists (CTs) in Sarawak in 1973.

2017-11-23T05:56:00.002-08:00

I am trying to immortalise my three battles with the CTs in Sarawak in 1973 through my sketches.
I had always regretted for not bringing a camera to record the events. It was never thought of at that time to record events by using the camera. We had lost invaluable records that way. What a pity.

I tried to imagine and paint the situations at the time of the battles as closely as I could.

Operation Jelaku 6. A dawn attack on a CT camp on
11 Oct 73 in a swampy area now known as Asajaya, near
Kuching, Sarawak. Eliminated 7 CTs.

Operation Beruang 1. 21 May 1973. Serian area near
Balai Ringin, Sarawak. Eliminated the 4th leader of 3rd Company
PARAKU.

Operation Jelaku 3. 28 Jan 1973. My first battle with
a group of CTs in the swamp of Asajaya. Eliminated 2 CTs.

PERSONAL ENCRYPTION SECURITY eTOKEN FOR COMPUTERS.

2017-11-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

MAKING YOUR COMPUTER AND DATA SAFE THROUGH A TECHNOLOGY THAT HAS BEEN REFINED THROUGH TRIALS AND ERRORS.

The Developer
MEGAT FARRIL b. ROBERT RIZAL is a Certified Information Security Expert.

The Product
He developed the encryption technology for over a decade now. His targets were corporate bodies, government ministries and departments. Sadly, there were no takers despite the fact that the technology was adjudged the best in the Security category by TERAJU and won a RM500k grant from the government.

Learning from the failure, he redesigned the technology and make it into a friendlier gadget for individual users. Now evryone can have an affordable technology that can guarantee their computers and files within are safe from internal or external threats.

The technology is friendly and easy to use. Just plug in or plug out.

Speciality of the Product
1. Encryption/decryption will be automatic.
2. Winner of TERAJU Best of Security Award 2014.
3. Protect your data integrity.
4. Preserve your data confidentiality.
5. Solution to internal and external hacker threats.
6. The most advance AES encryption technology in the market.
7. In compliance with Cyber Security Malaysia MYCC ISO /IEC 15408 standard.
8. Recognized by Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputra (TERAJU), Jabatan Perdana Menteri.
9. Awarded APICTA-MALAYSIA Asia Pacific ICT Award for Best of Security 2014.
10. Fully Malaysian developed product.

FOR INQUIRIES: Rizal 6012 2751171/whattsapp
email: rizalbob@gmail.com

Op Cahaya Bena 1 1976. Joint Malaysia/Thai op in Southern Thailand.

2016-01-25T18:34:00.001-08:00

My Diary
What was on my mind before the Operation.

OPERATION CAHAYA BENA 1 1976. SOUTHERN THAILAND. FACING A BIGGER AND BATTLE-HARDENED ENEMY.
I knew the enemy we were going to face were not the same as the enemies we encountered in Sarawak in 1973 who were mainly ill-trained and under-armed. In most encounters, they wouldn't stand and fight. They would exchange fire and then ran away to save their own skin and to live another day.

Chin Peng and his men, on the other hand, were battle-hardened, well trained in the art of fighting and would stand and fight. Remember they fought the Japanese in WW 2 in Malaya through the Malayan People's Anti Japanese Army (MPAJA)? Whilst the North Kalimantan Communist Party were poorly armed, Chin Peng's men were armed to the teeth, so to say. Most of their weapons were supplied by the British forces during the WW 2 and weapons they had confiscated from our Forces in ambushes. Based on past encounters, they were good shots as well. By knowing the jungles like the back of their hands, they surely were formidable adversaries.

I was excited and concerned as well. The fighting spirit of my ancestors in me were raring to go. But I must ensure we were fully prepared in mind as well as physically.

Soldiering had been my dream even when I was still schooling. Fanned by the stories of great bravery of my forefathers told to me in the folklores, I wanted to emulate them and their prowess in the battle fields. I had been dreaming of leading my men in battles. This was another chance for me to realise my dream. But I knew at the back of my mind, I could be killed. To me Death should not be dwelt on and talked about. It is something that will come to everyone. Just leave your fate in God’s hand. He will decide when you should go. I held on to this principle in all my operations and contacts.

From the intelligence report given us, the enemy strength in each sectors entrusted to the Rifle Companies were staggering - more than our own. Some places, even double our strength. My usual Company strength was about 80 as about 30 to 40% were either on leave or on courses. I was happy in this operation I had full strength - 120 men. On top of that I brought all my Company Support weapons - the 60mm Mortars, GPMGs and the M79 grenade launchers. I was fully armed.

I waited for the day to come. I and my men were ready for the big Operation in Southern Thailand.

Use of Night Vision Goggle for Night Patrols.

2016-01-25T18:29:00.001-08:00

My Diary

USE OF NIGHT VISION GOGGLE FOR NIGHT PATROL.
Towards the end of the famous Operation Jala Aman in 1983 in RASCOM, I was called in to help find the elusive Iban CT, Ubong, who was said to have the power to disappear and reappear at any place at his will.

Ubong was said to be in the cordoned area by troops comprising all units including the non-combatants.

I brought with me four of my most trusted men - all Ibans and a Bidayuh (Sjn Lawan, Kpl Kaya, LKpl Lan PGB and Rgr Sinku my Batman). After a briefing in RASCOM HQ in Sibu I was inserted into my Area - the left bank of Batang Rejang in the vicinity of Sg Bawan. This area was known for its strong support for the CTs as most of the Chinese living in this area were related to the CTs.

I was given no compo rations as no cooking was allowed. So we bought food such as biscuits and tinned stuffs that could last us for two weeks. We were in civilian clothes and using Iban back packs. We hoped the disguise could give us the local image. My mission was to make a surveillance on a target house that belonged to one of the CTs. It was hoped that he would return for a visit.

I was given a night vision goggle to help me move and observe at night. It was a wonder, this gadget. I patrolled the area every night and I could see my way around almost as clear as daylight! The difference was of course the images were green in colour. The gadget emitted a high-pitch sound, heard only by the person who wear it.

Luck was not on my side. Two weeks later, we were withdrawn to Kanowit, where a week after that we caught two CTs at the Kanowit jetty with the cooperation of the SBPU team and Border Scouts.

The Return of a respected Communist Terrorist Leader to Society.

2016-01-25T18:20:00.001-08:00

Ubong anak Nuing was a much respected and sought-after leader of a Communist Terrorist organisation in the 3rd and 4th Division of Sarawak. Military operations were unsuccessful to either eliminate or apprehend him. Only the untiring efforts of ACP Lawrence Lim finally brought him back to society. This the story of ACP Lawrence Lim written by Razza Willi.

===================================================================

Kepulangan Seorang Ketua Komunis Ke Pangkuan Masyarakat
Oleh : RAZZA WILLI

Pengenalan
Selama empat belas tahun dari tahun 1971 sehingga ke tahun 1985, ACP Lawrence Lim bertungkus-lumus dalam misi bersama pihak Cawangan Khas Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) untuk memujuk satu-satunya ketua Pasukan Rakyat Kalimantan Utara atau lebih dikenali dengan nama PARAKU yang berbangsa Iban, Ubong Anak Nuing, untuk keluar menyerah diri dari kawasan hutan dan kembali kepada pangkuan masyarakat.

Sebagaimana yang tertulis dalam diari mendiang ACP Lawrence Lim ini, beliau juga ingin berterima kasih kepada mendiang Datuk Ignitious Angking dan Encik Michael Pilo kerana membantunya sepanjang projek atau misi ini demi memastikan ia berakhir dengan kejayaan. Sokongan yang diberikan oleh CEO RASCOM merangkap Residen Sibu, Datuk Ignitious Angking dan Pegawai Distrik (District Officer/DO) Kanowit, Encik Michael Pilo dalam menulis beberapa surat dalam Bahasa Iban untuk diberikan kepada Ubong Anak Nuing dalam beberapa siri operasi rahsia yang digerakkan oleh Cawangan Khas semasa kempen menentang keganasan PARAKU. Walaupun secara umumnya, Ubong Ak. Nuing merupakan musuh, tetapi sebaliknya, Ubong dan ACP Lawrence Lim merupakan sahabat baik dan telahpun berkenalan dari awal tahun 1963 semasa ACP Lawrence Lim memegang jawatan sebagai Officer-In-Charge (OCP) Balai Polis Kanowit sebelum Sarawak memasuki Malaysia. Ubong Anak Nuing juga bergiat aktif dalam parti politik SUPP dan dipercayainya juga merupakan salah seorang daripada pengasas SUPP dan pengerusi SUPP Cawangan Kanowit.

Disebabkan oleh sifat anti-kolonial dan anti-Malaysia yang menebal dalam dirinya, pihak Cawangan Khas diketuai oleh ACP Lawrence Lim telah memberkas Ubong sebanyak tiga kali dari rumah panjangnya di Ulu Dap, Kanowit dan meletakkan Ubong di bawah tahanan. Selain daripada Ubong Anak Nuing, dua individu yang juga merupakan ketua SUPP berbangsa Iban bernama Kenawang (abang kepada mendiang Temenggung Datuk Banyang dari daerah Julau) dan Temenggung Ujang dari Sungai Katibas, Song juga turut diberkas oleh pihak Cawangan Khas pada tahun 1963 dan 1964.
Secara ideologikalnya, pihak Cawangan Khas dan ACP Lawrence Lim Eng Liong tidak bersetuju bahawa Ubong Anak Nuing merupakan seorang anggota malah menjadi ketua komunis yang hard-core walaupun telah bersama dengan pihak PARAKU selama 20 tahun berjuang di dalam hutan demi mengejar ideology komunis mereka. Menurut risikan pihak Cawangan Khas pada masa itu, Ubong Anak Nuing merupakan seorang bekas Iban Tracker yang pernah bertempur dengan pihak komunis PKM di Semenanjung Malaysia pada tahun 1950-an.

ACP Lawrence Lim yakin bahawa tindakan Ubong Anak Nuing memasuki parti SUPP yang pada ketika itu merupakan parti politik yang anti-kerajaan dan kemudiannya menyertai PARAKU mungkin didorongi oleh beberapa sebab tertentu dan beliau juga yakin bahawa dengan melakukan tindakan sebegini, Ubong Anak Nuing dan keluarganya dapat hidup aman tanpa dikesan oleh pihak polis mahupun pihak Cawangan Khas. Ketika berada dengan pihak Parti Komunis Kalimantan Utara (PKKU) pula, Ubong Anak Nuing dilantik sebagai Timbalan Komander PARAKU dan dengan ini, pihak PKKU telah mengambil kesempatan untuk menggunakan Ubong sebagai media bagi mempengaruhi komuniti Iban di Sarawak untuk menyertai gerakan komunis PKKU dan PARAKU.

Misi Memujuk Ubong Anak Nuing Bermula…
Setelah mendapat maklumat risikan dari perisik-perisik Cawangan Khas PDRM pada masa itu, dua individu telah dikenal pasti bekerja sebagai pengiring rapat (bodyguard) kepada Ubong Anak Nuing yakni bernama Ling Kee Ching dan Yap Poh Koh. Selain itu, pihak Cawangan Khas turut dimaklumkan bahawa tentera PARAKU juga meletakkan Ubong di bawah pengawasan ketat kerana takut Ubong berpaling tadah dengan mereka dan kembali kepada pangkuan masyarakat. Dengan berbekalan maklumat risikan yang ada, ACP Lawrence Lim mengetuai sepasukan lima anggota Cawangan Khas memulakan persiapan dan urusan bagi memujuk Ubong agar keluar dari PARAKU dan kembali kepada pangkuan masyarakat. Memori yang akan berlaku pada 23 dan 24 Disember 1985 di hutan Ulu Katibas, Song itu bakal menjadi sebuah kenangan bersejarah yang mungkin tak ramai orang akan mengetahuinya.

ACP Lawrence Lim bersama dengan dua rakan sepasukannya iaitu Supt. Frederick Rengga dan Supt. Lau King Sing (difahamkan Supt. Lau King Sing hanya bertindak sebagai anggota penyokong bagi kumpulan memulakan perjalanan mereka ke daerah Ulu Katibas, Song setelah segala peralatan dan maklumat yang dibekali lengkap bagi mereka. Untuk tujuan keselamatan, mereka bertiga diikuti oleh tiga orang anggota juga dari Cawangan Khas yang bertindak sebagai pengiring rapat mereka sekiranya berlakunya serangan semasa proses rundingan dengan Ubong Anak Nuing. Tiga anggota tersebut adalah :
> Koperal Jampi Eugene
> Koperal Wilson Mergie
> Koperal Ngindang

Perjalanan melalui jalan darat ke kem kayu balak itu mengambil masa selama empat jam dan bergerak dalam suasana malam yang gelap-gelita dan sebelum itu, pasukan yang diketuai oleh ACP Lawrence Lim ini menggunakan jalan sungai dengan menaiki bot dari Kapit ke kem kayu balak yang dimiliki oleh syarikat W.T.K di daerah Nanga Lajan. Memandu di atas jalan kem kayu balak pada waktu malam dan diikuti pula dengan hujan lebat dan rebut petir sememangnya mendatangkan risiko dan bahaya kepada kumpulan mereka. Jalan yang digunakan pula berlumpur dan berbukit-bukau yang ketinggian bukit-bukau tersebut adalah dianggarkan setinggi 3000 sehingga 4000 kaki.

Seperti biasa dalam mana-mana misi, ACP Lawrence Lim membawa senjata Sterling 9mm sub machine-gun (SMG) dan membawa 100 butir peluru 9x19mm yang diisi penuh ke dalam empat kelopak magazine. Superintenden Frederick Rengga pula membawa senapang patah jenis Browning Shotgun sama seperti tiga orang anggota pengiring mereka. Hal ini adalah kerana kawasan hutan Ulu Katibas tersebut menjadi lubuk kepada babi hutan dan ini membawa kepada ancaman sekiranya mereka diserang binatang buas. Pemandu mereka yang juga merupakan pengurus kepada kem kayu balak WTK di Nanga Lajan pula bersenjatakan selaras senapang patah semi-auto Berette Shotgun yang baru dibelinya walaupun telah dinasihati oleh ACP Lawrence Lim agar tidak membawanya kerana takut dirampas oleh pengiring-pengiring Ubong.

Setelah empat jam perjalanan di bawah suasana tengah malam yang sunyi-sepi, akhirnya mereka sampai ke titik perjumpaan di Ulu Katibas, Song. Kawasan perjumpaan yang dipersetujui oleh tim Cawangan Khas ini dan pihak PARAKU terletak di atas sebuah bukit yang dikelilingi oleh pokok-pokok tinggi dan bertumbuhan tebal. Di kaki bukit tersebut pula mengalirnya dengan deras air sungai Batang Katibas, Song dan untuk pengetahuan umum, kawasan ini tidaklah jauh dari sempadan Kalimantan-Sarawak. Hanya cahaya gemerlapan yang menerangi lokasi tim ini pada malam mereka tersebut.

Sebagai langkah keselamatan, keenam-enam anggota pasukan ini telah berpecah kepada dua kumpulan di mana Supt. Frederick Rengga, Yee Hieng Liong dan ACP Lawrence Lim sendiri menjadi kumpulan A dan Kumpulan B pula dianggotai oleh Koperal Jampi, Koperal Wilson Mergie dan Koperal Ngindang. Keadaan dilaporkan sunyi-sepi pada malam itu namun begitu, dalam suasana sunyi itu, mereka sedar risiko yang bakal ditempuhi oleh pihak PARAKU dan pasukan Cawangan Khas ini sehingga sasaran mereka, Ubong Anak Nuing benar-benar muncul dan menyerah diri kepada pihak polis. Andai Ubong masih ingin meneruskan perjuangannya bersama PKKU, pasukan yang diketuai oleh ACP Lawrence Lim Eng Liong ini bakal berdepan dengan konfrontasi oleh pihak militant dan keenam-enam anggota ini akan dikepung dan dijadikan sebagai tebusan oleh pihak PARAKU. Sekiranya perkara ini berlaku, ia bermakna seluruh misi mereka membawa keluar satu-satunya ketua PARAKU yang berbangsa Iban itu menemui jalan buntu dan gagal. Malah, mereka mungkin akan dibunuh oleh tentera PARAKU di hutan Ulu Katibas.
Namun begitu, semangat tidak gentar pada musuh yang ada dalam diri setiap anggota Cawangan Khas ini Berjaya mengatasi ketakutan mereka andai mereka diserang oleh pengiring-pengiring Ubong. Hanya doa yang mengiringi misi mereka agar misi ini berjaya dan sebagai seorang ketua pasukan, ACP Lawrence Lim amat yakin bahawa misi ini akan berakhir dengan kejayaan tanpa berlakunya sebarang pertumpahan darah antara kedua belah pihak.

Disebabkan takut berlakunya sebarang insiden tidak diingini, tepat jam 0600 pagi pada tarikh 24 Disember 1985, Kumpulan B telah keluar melakukan tinjauan rapat ke atas beberapa kawasan panas PARAKU dan juga diarah untuk balik sebelum tengah hari manakala Kumpulan A yang terdiri daripada Supt. Frederick Rengga, Yee Hieng Liong dan ACP Lawrence Lim berada di khemah sambil menunggu maklumat-maklumat yang akan dibawa oleh Kumpulan B. Kira-kira sebelum jam 1130 pagi, kumpulan B telah balik untuk jamuan tengah hari. Mereka balik ke khemah dengan membawa maklumat di mana mereka telah terjumpa beberapa orang anggota komunis PARAKU di lereng bukit. Tiada sebarang pertempuran yang berlaku pada masa itu.

Sekitar jam 1330 tengah hari, pasukan Cawangan Khas yang diketuai oleh ACP Lawrence Lim ini telah mendengar beberapa bunyi seolah-olah seseorang sedang bergerak di dalam semak dan diikuti dengan bunyi orang sedang meredah semak-samun. Segalanya dipersiapkan dengan apa yang bakal berlaku, Kumpulan B siap dengan senapang patah mereka dihala ke arah bunyi tersebut itu datang manakala Supt Frederick Rengga dan Yee Hieng Liong berada di belakang ACP Lawrence Lim bagi menjaga posisi belakang pasukan. Sangkaan mereka ternyata benar sekali! Individu yang pertama mendekati pasukan mereka adalah Ling Kee Ching diikuti pula dengan Yap Poh Kok dan terakhirnya, Ubong Anak Nuing. Mengiringi mereka adalah sekumpulan tentera komunis PARAKU yang lengkap beruniform dan bersenjata. Berdasarkan diari yang tertulis oleh mendiang ACP Lawrence Lim Eng Liong, seramai 22 orang anggota termasuklah tujuh orang wanita telah mengekori Ubong Anak Nuing. Lima daripada anggota PARAKU tersebut bersenjatakan Bren Gun manakala tiga anggota membawa raifal tempur L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR) dan selebihnya membawa raifal tempur biasa.
Anggota-anggota PARAKU ini dengan lantas mengepung pasukan dari Cawangan Khas ini dan memposisikan sentri-sentri mereka dengan dua orang anggota mengawasi ACP Lawrence Lim, Supt. Frederick Rengga dan Yee Hieng Liong. Dengan perasaan berani, ACP Lawrence Lim mara dua langkah ke hadapan dan mula berjabat tangan dengan Ubong Anak Nuing sambil memberi senyuman kepadanya. Setelah berjabat tangan, Ubong Anak Nuing memberitahu bahawa dia masih mengingati ACP Lawrence Lim Eng Liong sebagai sahabat lamanya dan telah lama tidak berjumpa. Stengun yang dibawa oleh Ubong diberikan kepada Yap Poh Kok dan bermulalah rundingan antara pihak Cawangan Khas dan PARAKU itu. Rundingan dan perjumpaan antara pihak Special Branch (Cawangan Khas) dan Ubong, Ling Kee Ching dan Yap Poh Kok berlangsung selama 3 jam di bawah pengawasan ketat oleh anggota-anggota PARAKU yang lengkap bersenjata. Pihak Cawangan Khas faham dengan risiko yang bakal mereka hadapi sekiranya rundingan ini menemui kegagalan. Semasa dalam proses rundingan dijalankan, salah seorang daripada tentera PARAKU yang mengiring Ubong Anak Nuing telah ternampak senapang patah yang dimiliki oleh Yee Hieng Liong. Akhirnya, senapang patah semi-auto dari model Beretta yang berlaras dua itu (double barrel) itu dirampas oleh pihak PARAKU.
Akhirnya, pada 24 Disember 1985 jam 1600 pada sebelah petang, misi ini menemui titik noktah. Ubong Anak Nuing berjaya dipujuk keluar dari Ulu Katibas, Song untuk kembali kepada pangkuan masyarakat oleh pihak Cawangan Khas. Anggota-anggota PARAKU lengkap bersenjata yang mengiringi Ubong Anak Nuing akhirnya memberikan salam perpisahan mereka yang terakhir dengan melaungkan “Mao Tze Tung! Mao Tze Tung!”. Anggota PARAKU ini tahu bahawa Pengerusi Mao telah meninggal dunia pada tahun 1976 dan dengan ini, mereka tidak melaungkan slogan “Hidup Pengerusi Mao!”. Koperal Jampi yang juga merupakan jurufoto kepada tim yang diketuai oleh ACP Lawrence Lim pula membalas laungan slogan anggota PARAKU tersebut dengan berkata “Hidup Dr. Mahathir!”. Dr. Mahathir yang sekarang ini bergelar Tun Dr. Mahathir merupakan Perdana Menteri Malaysia pada masa itu. Sebelum memulakan perjalanan keluar untuk balik ke Sibu, beberapa anggota PARAKU telah memberikan sedikit buah tangan berupa hasil hutan kepada kumpulan Cawangan Khas yang diketuai oleh ACP Lawrence Lim kerana telah memberikan layanan yang baik semasa proses rundingan dijalankan bersama dengan kini mantan ketua mereka, Ubong Anak Nuing.

Dalam perjalanan balik ke Sibu menaiki bot laju yang digelar Rajawali oleh ACP Lawrence Lim, mereka dan tiga orang anggota PARAKU ini sempat lagi berhenti di sebuah kem kayu balak yang turut dimiliki oleh syarikat WTK yang berpangkalan di Sibu di mana mereka disediakan dengan jamuan makan malam oleh pihak kem. Pada sekitar jam 2100 malam, mereka semua meninggalkan kem Lajan, Song dan kembali meneruskan perjalanan mereka untuk balik ke Sibu. Di bawah suasana gelap-gelita, masa tiga jam setengah diambil untuk sampai ke Sibu dari Kapit dan semasa perjalanan balik ke Sibu itu, Ubong Anak Nuing sempat berkongsi ceritanya dengan ACP Lawrence Lim dan memberitahu bahawa anaknya (juga merupakan seorang anggota PARAKU) mungkin akan keluar menyerah diri apabila tiba waktunya PKKU meletakkan senjata mereka kelak. Apabila sampai di Sibu (pada sebelah malam 25 Disember 1985), orang pertama yang menjemput kepulangan mereka di jeti bot di hadapan Ibu Pejabat RASCOM (Rejang Security Command) adalah Supt. Lau King Sing dan beberapa anggota juga dari Cawangan Khas.

Tuan Ignitious Angking yang memegang jawatan sebagai CEO RASCOM dan adiknya, Kolonel Dunstan Nyareng yang pada masa itu memegang jawatan PSO Military RASCOM merupakan insan terpenting yang pertama yang dimaklumkan mengenai kejayaan misi ini dan malah memuji ACP Lawrence Lim dan pasukannya untuk menyelesaikannya dengan cara rundingan tanpa berlakunya sebarang pertumpahan darah. Dengan itu, maka tercatatlah pada rekod sejarah Cawangan Khas dan RASCOM di Sibu mengenai kisah Ubong Anak Nuing, salah satunya ketua PARAKU merangkap Timbalan Komander bagi PARAKU II yang berbangsa Iban yang berumur 63 tahun pada masa itu untuk keluar menyerah diri dan kembali ke pangkuan masyarakat. Mengikuti beliau adalah dua orang pengiring rapatnya iaitu Ling Kee Ching dan Yap Poh Kok. Sememangnya, peristiwa ini yang bertarikh 24 Disember 1985 merupakan satu peristiwa yang bersejarah dalam catatan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM).

Penutup
Biarpun Ubong Anak Nuing tidak lagi bergelar ketua PARAKU dan tidak lagi mengangkat senjata dan bergerak secara gerila di dalam hutan, namun politik masih lagi ada di dalam dirinya dan malah berjumpa dengan Yang Berhormat Datuk Celestine Ujang bagi mendapatkan nasihat daripadanya untuk membolehkan dirinya kembali bergiat aktif dalam dunia politik Sarawak. Namun begitu, YB Celestine menasihati beliau supaya meninggalkan kerana usia Ubong yang semakin lanjut.

Tahun 1990 menyaksikan Operasi Chienmeh dilancarkan bagi membasmi semua saki-baki komunis PARAKU untuk keluar menyerah diri dari hutan (termasuklah anak Ubong Anak Nuing yang bernama Sergen). Operasi ini yang dijalankan oleh pelbagai pihak dari Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, Polis Diraja Malaysia, Cawangan Khas dan RASCOM berjaya memberikan titik noktah kepada perjuangan PARAKU yang bermula sejak tahun 1963 lagi. Dengan termeterainya Perjanjian Damai antara pihak PKKU dan Kerajaan Malaysia pada tarikh keramat 17 Oktober 1990, anggota-anggota PARAKU kini telah cuci tangan dan kembali menjalankan hidup normal dalam pangkuan masyarakat. Tarikh 3 November 1990 menyaksikan segala senjata-senjata perang milik PARAKU dimusnahkan secara besar-besaran dan senapang patah milik Encik Yee Hieng Liong juga dikembalikan kepadanya melalui bantuan ACP Lawrence Lim yang segera mendapatkan bantuan dari Dato Rahim Nor, Pengarah Cawangan Khas Polis Diraja Malaysia pada masa itu dan timbalannya, Datuk Henry Chin yang mengarahkan Operasi Chienmeh untuk dilancarkan.
Secara umumnya, bekas-bekas komunis PARAKU di Sarawak haruslah bersyukur dan berterima kasih kepada Pengarah Operasi Negeri (State Director of Operation) yang juga merangkap Ketua Menteri Sarawak pada masa itu, Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Taib Mahmud yang kini menjadi Tuan Yang Terutama bagi negeri Sarawak kerana diberikan peluang untuk memulakan hidup baharu mereka dalam masyarakat.

Return of Ubong sperti yg ditulis dlm diari pak cik sy, SAC Lawrence — with Hj Robert Rizal Abdullah.

2015-08-19T22:23:00.002-07:00

SARAWAK RANGERS.
Formed by Charles Brooke in 1862, who later was to become the second Rajah of Sarawak. Mooted by Charles Brooke that to kill Dayaks he must use the Dayaks themselves. It became the nucleus of every military expeditions he mounted against the rebellious and warring Dayaks.

However, due to the financial constraint he faced during the 1930 Great Economic Recession, Sarawak Rangers was disbanded on 29 February 1932. Some of the personnel were absorbed into the Sarawak Constabulary.

From hereon, there was not much records about the activity of Sarawak Rangers.

It was said that in December 1941, Sarawak Rangers was re-raised to help in the defense of Kuching and Miri. As we knew, the might of the Japanese Army was too overwhelming. The defence of Kuching and Miri collapsed and members of Sarawak Rangers retreated into their long houses. These personnel, however, did help the Australian forces in harassing the Japanese during their occupation of Sarawak.

Sarawak was liberated on 11 September 1945 and again members of the Sarawak Rangers went back into their long houses.

On 16 June 1948, Malaya declared the Emergency. Seven weeks later, on 8 August 1948, a group of 49 Iban Trackers were sent to Malaya to help the Commonwealth Forces in fighting the insurgents. The para-military Iban Trackers proved to be very successful and on 1 January 1953, it was reformed into two platoons of Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Unit). By then, some 1200 Ibans had served and seen actions in Malaya. General Templar had called them the best trackers in the world.

The British Army was so impressed that it decided to take in Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Unit) as part of the British Army on 1 April 1960 and renamed it as Sarawak Rangers (Far East Land Forces). However, on 15 September 1963, it was disbanded and on the day Malaysia was born on 16 September 1963, some 100 of the former members of Sarawak Rangers volunteered to join the new First Battalion The Malaysian Rangers. The rest went home to their long houses, for reasons known to themselves.

For twelve years of fighting, the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers suffered amazingly low casualties, bearing in mind that they were always infront of any patrols. They suffered 20 KIA and 25 WIA. Their achievements spoke of their prowess in battles - 1 George Cross (civilian equivalent of the Victoria Cross), 1 George Medal (equivalent to our PGB), 1 Military Medal, 1 BEM, 19 Mention-In-Despatch and 21 Commander-In-Chief Certificates. If only the Iban Trackers had been fully recognised as a full-fledged military unit, it could have been eligible for more awards that were offered to military units.

It was not the end for Sarawak Rangers. Some joined the Police Force to continue their service to the country. During the Confrontation with indonesia they were formed into Border Scouts to provide the much-needed service to the Armed Forces.

Malaysia would have all to gain if this elite Unit was retained as one entity. Perhaps, it is not too late to have a rethink on this matter. Let's discard suspicions, political antagonism and jealousy if we want to move forward and have the best of the best for the nation.

Note: The picture below: On the top was the 1st platoon of Sarawak Rangers and on the bottom was the 2nd platoon, when they were reformed on 1 January 1953.

2015-08-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

MY LIFE LONG AWARDS AND MEDALS

These awards and medals are all I have to show for my 25 years of career with the Malaysian Rangers/Army and during my retirement to date.

L to R: Kesatria Angkatan Tentera (KAT), Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB), Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti (PPB), Pingat Perkhidmatan Am (PPA), Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM), Pegawai Bintang Sarawak (PBS), Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (PBK).

Academically I have: Passed Staff College (psc), Diploma in Creative Writing, Masters in Strategic Study from UPNM.

Thank you Allah s.w.t for bestowing me these awards and medals. I am thankful and proud to have them.

WARRIORS DAY CELEBERATION 31 JULY 2015 IN KUALA LUMPUR.

2015-08-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

After a long lapse of time, finally all (almost) the PGBs were called to attend the function organised by the Police, this time. Missing were the SPs and the PTUs.
We had a baca yassin, tahlil and doa selamat a day before at Masjid Negara, a parade and a demonstration by the policemen depicting some incidents of the past and a hari raya gathering at night. The Warriors Fund launch was done separately at Royal Chulan.

We were accomodated at Priemeria Hotel for 3 nights.

L to R: Capt Panir PGB, me, Sgt Dajai PGB and Kpl Unggek PGB.

Sarawakian PGBs. Breakfast.

Bajau and wife.

All the PGBs that came for the function.

Mej Hanapiah PGB, me, Dato Abd Rahim PGB & a friend.

SARAWAK RANGERS VETERANS ASSOCIATION (SRVA) DEREGISTERED.

2015-04-28T04:19:00.002-07:00

Finally, after two years of dispute - a problem percipitated by the Secretary General of the Association, SRVA was deregistered on 14 April 2015. After his sacking by the President, the Sec Gen refused to vacate his seat and continued to worsen the situation within with his supporters until it was just impossible to sustain the Organisation. The only way out was for it to be deregistered so that the rebellious faction is purged and a new Organisation formed.

I, as the President of SRVA, however is opting out and will not be involved in the new Organisation.

Good bye SRVA. It was a dream unrealised. Sad. It had been a mistake on my part in taking the Sec Gen into the Organisation but then at the onset I had no choice. Never know there are still dishonest and untrustworthy people out there who only think of their own pocket and rice bowl.

Oh! My Poor Blog!

2013-11-21T05:59:00.001-08:00

Have not been updating it for quite a while. This is all due to a shift of interest: Facebook.

Dear me!

21 December 2013

2013-08-17T04:09:00.002-07:00

UPDATE ON GENERAL NEWS/EVENTS.

1. Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (SRVA). Formed about a year ago, I still have not achieved the desired results. We have about 1300 members to date. Recruitment is ongoing. We have opened up branches in Lundu, Sri Aman, Kanowit/Julau and Miri. The target is to have a branch in every towns throughout Sarawak.

Finance is a big problem to keep SRVA going. We cannot depend solely on handouts. We have to make our own money through business endeavours. A number of businesses that we had planned earlier felled by the wayside. Even the 3000 acres that we were promised by the State is now gone. We have seen the Chief Minister recently to ask for an alternative site and hopefully the final answer will be good for the ears. Amongst what we are planning are:

* A PLKN camp for the training of National Service. We will have a branch specially for Jungle
Tracking and Jungle Survival Academy.

* A 6000 acres Palm Oil Estate. This is to enable us to generate enough fund for us to create a
Cooperative for the benefit of all members.

* A few business endeavours, if realised can strengthen our financial independence.

The inaugural AGM is coming up sometime in October 2013.

2. Love Taiping Club (Kelab Cintai Taiping). I also have formed the club a year ago, solely to help the Local Authority in making our town into a better place. So far we have stuck to our plans. The inaugural AGM is also coming up in a month's time.

General News

2013-02-07T04:48:00.001-08:00

My poor blog! I have not been updating or posting new posts for a couple of months now. Have been quite busy with my Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association and Kelab Cintai Taiping lately. They have taken the enthusiasm out of me.

SARAWAK RANGERS VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Since December last year we have opened up 4 Branches, namely, in Lundu in 1st Division, Sri Aman in 2nd Division, Julau/Kanowit in 3 rd Division and Miri in 4th Division. Sibu, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu and Limbang/Lawas will have to wait until after the General Election in March 2013.

KELAB CINTAI TAIPING (LOVE TAIPING CLUB)

I formed this Club out of the desire to help the local Council manage Taiping in anyway we can as well as to become useful to all the communities. The Club has been registered with the Registrar of the Society.

It is almost a year now and we have organised a number of community programmes as well as for its members..

A Poem of Praise for me as a Warrior.

2012-11-16T18:20:00.000-08:00

I found this beautifully written poem of praise in Iban language for me as an Iban Warrior and for the deeds I have done.

PANTUN PUJI LT KOL ROBERT RIZAL ABDULLAH PGB (B)

(Written in Iban language)

Kira enda lebu ga nuan,

ke bulih gelar Raja Berani

laban ulih nyapai bintang besai

ke ngasuh nama nuan pegari tingi gegeyai nadai mandung.

Endang enda lebu ga karung mengada nuan suba,

ke bisi tebunsa nangung pemerinsa

mai nuan dalam pengelama keleman 9 bulan.

Laban penatai nuan di dunya endang di anti

sida Keling enggau Bunga Nuing.

Di kemata lalu basa sida Laja seduai Bunga Jawa.

Endang di intai ka sida Sempurai,

lalu timang sida Kumang seduai Indai Abang.

Di indung sida Lulong Indai Mendung

ari Gelung ke nyingit nyinggong daun sabang.

Ke endang berimbai enggau orang Panggau di menoa jela Isang.

Tang dalam maya nya, dia Tutong,

Tuai orang di Gelung pen sama bisi ga nutong ka Setawak

Nebah dumbak maya nuan ka mencelak

Mula iya meda dunya,

Ambi semua Petara sama bela nemu

Nuan bisi datai ngagai dunya landai kitai diatu.

Tang dia enda mukai-mukai deh indai karung

Mengada enggi nuan bujang melisa,

Tak enda berasai mabun laya ningal ka dunya

Maya nuan beguna serta ngiga alai meraya,

Lalu maya nuan tetengok ka tusu ai madu enggi iya.

Tang Petara endang amat bisi ngemata ka nuan ungal wai,

Ke alai Bunsu Sempandai seduai aki kitai Bujang Serangkang Kirai

Bisi datai mai ka nuan pemakai

awak ka nuan tau besai mansang nyingkang tau bejalai.

Dia deh nuan lalu udah tejapai ka tangkai nyiur undang

Ke merundai labuh tejuntai,

Lebuh nuan ke enggau orang nyarau ranyai

di manua Nunok Ulu Serpan di madang paya maram

Ke di wan bunsu Antu Kamba, Endu Dara Sia

Ke berumah di Paya Maram Semadang,

Ke ngembuan jelu Pusa Itung ke bekungkung baruh dagu,

Lalu ia tu meh ke bepemai ka Tajau Rusa bebungka Sengang.

Lalu laban nuan ke di kemata ke Petara

Di pandang aki kitai Lang Sengalang Burung,

Ke diau di tuchung langit landung,

Ke baka tudung seraung tangi payung langit.

Kedua agi laban iya tu meh menyadi Ini Manang Bali

ke betelaga baruh rekung, menyadi biak Aki Lang Sengalang Burung,

Laki endu Yak Talun Kupak, Silai anak Runggang Jejabung.

Nya alai ungal,aku pen sama baka nuan meh suba

Ari Batalion ke-8 Rejimen Renjer.

Lalu tedinga ka nuan bisi pegari nama anak lelaki

Lebuh nuan tejapai ka Bintang Berani PGB,

Laban nuan udah mutus berani,

Tajam ati anak lelaki,

Tebunuh ka bala munsuh bansa komunis.

Nya alai ke penudi iya, ngajih nuan gerai nyamai,

Gayu guru nguan menoa lantang senang nguan dunya.

Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban.

Lang Ngindang

*****************************************************

This is the translation into Bahasa Malaysia

PANTUN PUJI LT KOL (B) ROBERT RIZAL ABDULLAH PGB

(Terjemahan dalam Bahasa Malaysia)

Kira tiada sia-sianya engkau,
yang memperolehi gelaran Raja Berani,
yang mampu mencapai bintang tinggi,
yang menyebabkan namamu dikenali,
dipandang tinggi tiada penghalang.

Sememangnya tiada sia-sianya kandung ibumu,
yang pernah menanggung kesakitan dibebanimu genap Sembilan bulan,
kerana kehadiranmu sememangnya ditunggu oleh Keling dan Bunga Nuing,
diperhati dan dihormati oleh Laja dan Bunga Jawa,
memang diintai oleh Sempurai,
lalu ditimang oleh Kumang dan Indai Abang,
dan digendong oleh Lulung Indai Mendung dari Gelung,
yang nyingit nyinggung daun sabang,
yang berdekatan dengan Orang Panggau di kediaman Jela Isang.

Pada masa itu Tutung ketua Orang Gelung,
turut bersama memukul gong dan menabuh gendang,
semasa engkau membuka mata kali pertama melihat dunia,
supaya semua Tuhan mengetahui yang engkau telah hadir

menduduki dunia kita sekarang.

Tetapi, secara tiba-tiba tanpa diduga,
Ibu yang melahirkanmu Bujang Melisa,
meninggal dunia tatkala engkau memerlukannya,
Ketika engkau mencarinya untuk bermanja,
Ketika engkau berkeinginan menyusu air madu miliknya.

Namun Petara senantiasa memerhatikamu,
Di mana Bunsu Sempandai dan Bujang Serangkang Kirai,
Turut hadir memberkatimu dengan makanan,
Supaya dirimu mampu membesar, melangkah dan berjalan.

Oleh kerana engkau yang dilindungi Petara Perang,
Aki Lang Sengalang Burung,
Yang mendiami puncak langit,
Yang seperti tudung saji topi payung langit.
Kerana Dia adalah saudara Ini Manang Bali

Oleh sebab itu kawan,
Aku dahulu pun sama sepertimu,
Dari Batalion ke- 8 Rejimen Renjer,
Lalu terdengar yang engkau anak lelaki yang ternama,
Semasa engkau tercapai Bintang Berani PGB,
Kerana engkau memang berani,
Anak lelaki yang tajam hati,
Mampu membunuh musuh komunis.
Oleh sebab itu, aku doakan engkau sihat walafiat,
panjang umur, dan senang hidup di dunia.

REGISTRATION OF SARAWAK RANGERS VETERANS ASSOCIATION APPROiVED BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SOCIETY.

2012-06-13T03:40:00.003-07:00

We were in a delima.

With the approval of the new Veterans Act 2011 by Parliament, all registration of Armed Forces-related bodies will have to go through the Veterans Council, headed by Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department or Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veterans ATM (JHEV ATM).

Implementation, however, seems to be delayed and no one knows exactly when it will function.

I cannot wait. SRVA needs to be registered immediately - if it cannot be done through the Veterans Council, then we will have to do it through ROS, in Kuching, Sarawak. A lot of pending jobs are depending on this approval.

That was exactly what we did. Within a week, our application was approved on 31 May 2012. SRVA's company registration number is 1082 - 12 - SWK.

Now we are shifting on to the next higher gear. We will have to convene our first Annual General Meeting in order to elect a Committee to steer the Association for the next two terms (4 years). At the same time and to save time and efforts, we will have to officially launch SRVA for the general public to know. This entails a big amount of money, which we do not have at the moment. We need in the range of RM85k to foot the expenditure to bring in about 300 ex Iban Trackers, ex Sarawak Rangers and ex Malaysian Rangers from their various long houses in Sri Aman, Sibu, Song, Kapit and Miri to Kuching in order to attend the two functions that may be spreaded over two days.

APPEALING FOR DONATION
We are therefore appealing for donations from kind Samaritans. Please send your donations to Bank CIMB account number 1441 0064 075 528 (Robert Rizal Abdullah). Info me by sms/email at 6012 2751171 or rizalbob@gmail.com/ after you have credited your donation. Thank you.

Forming Love Taiping Club (Kelab Cintai Taiping)

2012-05-22T03:55:00.001-07:00

Out of the sheer desire to unite Taipingites and to help the Local Municipal Council to keep Taiping town spick and span had prompted the founder, Lt Col Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB (Retired), to form Kelab Cintai Taiping (KCT) in facebook on 26 March 2012.

Started with a few family members, it soon grew very rapidly. Within a month, membership had reached 2000 - a figure we are very proud of. Even many Taiping groups that were formed earlier couldn't reach the figure we had attained in such a short time. Syabas KCT.

The first get-together and a brief meeting was done on 29 April 2012 at the Coronation Pool. It was the first time that many of the members had seen and met each other. For some it was a reunion.

A protem Committee was formed with the founder, Lt Col Robert Rizal Abdullah (Retired) unanimously elected as the Protem President. Full list of the Protem Committee Members are as follows:

President: Lt Col Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB (Retired)
Deputy President: Cikgu Bakar Ali.
Secretary General: Cikgu Manaf
Assistant Secretary: Cikgu Latifah Nordin
Treasurer General: Puan Shirley Idris
Assistant Treasurer: Puan Harizan Haniff.
Committee Members: Cikgu Sivanathan Vello
Lt Cdr Rosli Ahmad TLDM
En Azham Hasim
Zul Annmedia
Puan Norliza Din
Cikgu Aeinid Abdullah
Raja Aimin Zulaikha Raja Malek
En Ashruf Khan

We are in the process of making arrangement to register KCT as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Once we are registered, KCT will elect a new set of Committee Members to lead it for the next 2 terms, through its first Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Passing of a Dear Friend.

2012-01-03T02:20:00.000-08:00

Death is always unpredictable. It can come unexpectedly. Even the most healthy can fall victim. One need not be sick to die, as shown by a dear friend, Anthony Belon - a friend. a relative and a schoolmate.

He was known to have no ailment and he was quite fit for his age. He must be about 60 years old and had just returned from a long jungle trekking into an Indonesian long house just across the border of Sarawak to do some missionary works.

I met him at a mini reunion organised by Datu Adi Badiozaman, just for me, when I came to Kuching on 23 November 2011. In fact he made a very recent entry in his blog dated 26 December 2011.

In the picture on the left, Anthony Belon is sitting in the centre.

Left to Right: Datu Adi Badiozaman, me, Mrs Patrick Panai (Anne Tze), Thomas Iboh, Dr Dayang Mordeana, Peh Her Seng (of the burning film projector fame in Tanjong Lobang School in the 60s), Patrick Panai, a close friend since School days and Abdul Rahman Abdullah (a few years my junior). Anthony Belon is not in the picture as he was a little late. We were all from Tanjong Lobang School. Dayang and Rahman are the junior ones who went to Tanjong when it became Tanjong Lobang College in the 70s.

May I take this opportunity to offer my heart-felt condolence and sympathy to the family of the late Anthony Belon. I hope they can find strength in this trying and sad moment. May his soul rest in peace.

I was told he died of dengue fever and pneumonia at Ampang Puteri Hospital, KL on 2 January 2012. His body was flown back to Kuching on 3 January 2012.

ORBITUARY TO ANTHONY BELON

We received the sad news today

that a dear friend has passed away.

We are struck dumb

wishing it was a false alarm.

As more news trickled in,

uncertainty turned into reality.

We have to accept God's ways

to charter our lives and destinies.

It seems yesterday that we were talking,

sharing, laughing, arguing about nothing.

Wasn't it only yesterday we reminisced the tanjong days?

An era in our lives that we'll cherished always?

Why O why you leave us so sudden?

We'll miss you at the many mini reunions.

We'll miss your dear company.

Your jokes made us laugh in glee.

Good bye Jang Tony - good bye forever.

You have preceeded us to see our Maker.

May you find the elusive peace and harmony.

May you be rewarded in a life of eternity.

You'll live on in our hearts.

You will be forever remembered.

Though our eyes will see you no more - that's certain.

Our hearts can see you through the impenetrable curtain.

The Iban Warriors' Memorial - Landscaping and Maintenance Needed.

2011-12-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

Malaysians are notoriously known for their geniuses in building / constructing beautiful and amazing facilities and structures and next, abandoning them. We can see examples of these everywhere in the country. Public facilities such as children playground are left to rust and rot. Public facilities in public parks and gardens are in similar state.

I knew the new Iban Warriors' Grave that was built in July 2011 will meet the same fate. So on 23 December 2011, I went to have a look with two of my committee members. Sure enough! It was in a deplorable state. No one care about it. The place was strewn with dead leaves and the grass was never cut! If left unattended, the long grass will cover up the head stones.

I will have to find out who is responsible to maintain the Memorial and write to remind them.

How it looked like 5 months later (23 December 2011)

How it looked like on the first day of the reburial on 27 July 2011.

On 26 December 2011, I wrote the letter below to Mayor of Kuching City South with a copy to Commander 1st Infantry Division in Kuching, who is also Chairman of the Rangers Corp.

Update No. 1

About two weeks after my visit, a friend went to see the place and was disappointed too at the appalling condition. Something had to be done. I told an acquaintance who is a Deputy Tourism Minister in Sarawak about what I had observed and written to Mayor of Kuching City North, who, according to the signboard at the entrance to the memorial is responsible for the up-keeping of the place.

16 February 2012

I received an email from Mr. Lim Kian Hock, Chairman of STF Heritage Development Committee in Kuching, saying that actions are being taken to rectify the shortcomings in the memorial. It is clear that the Heritage Development Committee has taken over the responsibility from Kuching City North.

Mr. Lim said he has informed the State Secretary on the matter.

There was a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism on 16 Feb 12.

A more detail meeting with the Technical Committee is scheduled on 24 February 2012. I will be sending a representative for SRVA to attend. It will be here that the exact details will be decided on.

Thank you YB Datuk Talib Zulpilip for taking up my case. I knew I could count on him to deliver.

Proposing the Revival of Sarawak Rangers to the State Government of Sarawak.

2011-12-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Come 22nd December 2011, I will be presenting my proposal paper to one of the Iban Ministers in Sarawak's Cabinet, YB Tan Sri William Mawan ak Ikom. The Chief Minister had given him the responsibility to hear out my proposal to revive Sarawak Rangers, the pride of Sarawak in general and to the Ibans in particular.

I see the impact it will have on Sarawak. It will not only create hundreds of job opportunities but it will also create business opportunities. Most importantly, I see it as a unifying factor to bind all Sarawakians closely together.

Personally I see this as a most satisfying endeavour. I would never have thought that a small and inconspicuous man like me could make himself heard by the political leaders. It is my dream to see the revival of the Sarawak Rangers. I hope the political leaders see the positive aspects and not be clouded by any negative views. We are not trying to set up a war machinery but a unit to compliment the security, tourism and welfare aspect in the country.

Update No. 1
On 22December 2011, my team and I presented our proposal paper on the revival of Sarawak Rangers to Sarawak's Social Development and Urbanisation Minister, YB Tan Sri William Mawan, who was enthrusted by the CM to hear our proposals.

He gave us the nod and went further as to pledge us some financial aid once we have registered our Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (SRVA) with the new Veterans Council that is awaiting endorsement by Parliament and the King.

The next stage will be presenting the proposal to the highest leadership in the State, the Chief Minister himself. That should be in January/February 2012.

We are still keeping our fingers crossed.

L to R: Lt Col Monday Juhid Director Army Veterans Sarawak Branch, Capt (Rtd) Johari Ibrahim, Sec Gen 1, YB Tan Sri William Mawan, Me, President SRVA, Capt (Rtd) Dr George Kurka, Deputy President and Major (Rtd) Wara Mejeni, Sec Gen 2. Major (Rtd) Micheal Riman, Treasurer General is not in the picture.

I'm presenting our proposal on reviving / re-forming Sarawak Rangers.

My Deputy President, Capt (Rtd) Dr George Kurka briefing YB Tan Sri William Mawan on our Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (SRVA) - its concept and the roles it will be playing.

THE FATES OF SOME IBAN TRACKERS / SARAWAK RANGERS

2011-12-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (SRVA), which I am setting up to help ease the burdens of the ex Iban Trackers, Sarawak Rangers and the Malaysian Rangers, though not officially registered yet has already received a couple of S.O.S from members who have met problems.

CASE NO. 1: Tracker Dickson Sawing 74 years old, who had found employment as a security guard in Ulu Tiram, Johor, had suddenly fallen ill and partly paralysed after eating a handout given by a good samaritan. He had been living in a shack and out of works for sometime. He was living on handouts from neighbours. The news found its way to me via an acquaintance, Major Ding the Second-In-Command of 3rd Malaysian Rangers based in Kem Oya, Sibu, Sarawak.

The good thing about Malaysians are that, sometimes, in time of needs, there are always people with big hearts who are always willing to help other people in need.

In the case of Tracker Dickson, an ex Navy personnel took Dickson's case and highlighted it in the media. Major (Rtd) Murugayah, who was an ex Malaysian Rangers himself, followed up the case. Major Ding. the Second-In-Command of 3rd Malaysian Rangers called to tell me about the case and said they are going to fly Tracker Dickson back to Sibu, put him up in one of the empty married quarters until such time a house is built for him and wife on their piece of land in Sri Aman, 2nd Division of Sarawak. That is very kind of 3rd Rangers.

However, I was told that, Tracker Dickson will have to stay in Johor Bharu to undergo medical treatment until he is fit to travel. When I contacted Major (Rtd) Andy Murugayah, he said he is willing to pay for Tracker Dickson's and wife's fares to Sibu. Here's another good Samaritan.

Meanwhile Tracker Dickson and wife is now under the care of 1st Malaysian Rangers based in Majidee Camp in Johor Bharu, Johor.

CASE NO. 2: Sgt (Rtd) Ambau Gerasi, an ex Sarawak Rangers personnel has been in Kuching General Hospital for a medical treatment. Since he is fit to travel back to his hometown in Kapit, he was discharged. However, he needed monetary help to pay for the shipment of his special bed which was presented to him by Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia (PBTM), an ex Army Association, back to Kapit. The cost of shipment is RM450.00. We are awaiting for a good Samaritan to help out.

These are some of the assistances that SRVA can undertake once we are fully operational and have the fund available at hand.

Thank you all for the big heart. God bless you all.

Expensive Cheap Air Asia

2011-11-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

Air Asia, the world's best low-cost carrier is not cheap at times, in fact, it punishes air travellers on certain aspects. I found this out the hard way.

Excess Baggage Weight
In 2009, I brought 100 of my books for a book launch from KL to Kuching. I was very much over weight and was slapped with a whopping almost RM500 for the excess.

Not Sports-Friendly
Two years ago I was invited to participate in a golf tournament in Kuching and brought my own golf set from KL. Though I was not over weight, I was charged an extra RM50 for bringing a sports good. What is the logic? Why discourage sports? This is one of the fields that Air Asia should promote and encourage. In fact, I would go further as to suggest that it should encourage sports enthusiasts by offering FREE passage for their sports equipments. This could be one of the many good things it could give back to the community.

Punishment for Rescheduling Flights.
A one-way RM200 (rounded figure) flight became a RM500 flight, all because I changed my date. Except maybe for the insurance coverage, surely the other aspects are just purely management tasks and a part of the staffs' job which will not incur extra costs.

We understand, everything meant money to you (Air Asia) but please be logic and be fair to your passengers / customers. You are increasingly not living to your tag as being the cheap carrier. Maybe now you can modify your motto from " now everyone can fly" to "now everyone can fly, grudgingly."

Forming Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (SRVA)

2011-10-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

There are too many sad tales about the ex servicemen in Sarawak. I do not want to mention the predicaments of ex servicemen in Peninsula Malaysia as my effort is directed towards Sarawak only. Someone may ask me: Why Sarawak only? This is because all my works from the very beginning had started with the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers. I have heard and seen how they fared after they had left the service. Many are living below the poverty line. Many are eking a living and find it hard to make ends meet.

I came to a conclusion that forming SRVA will be the most noble thing I could ever think of. We plan to make money through honest means - engaging in legal business activities. We do not want to beg for money and funds.

These money will be used to raise the standard of living of the veterans and their families. The details are spelt out in SRVA's Constitution.

Though priority will be given to the Sarawak and Malaysian Rangers, we feel we should not neglect the other Sarawak veterans from other Corps. They can apply to be members as well but they will not have any voting rights. We have not thrashed out the details of what they are entitled or not entitled to.

We had formed a protem committee and had had the first meeting on 19 September 2011 with me as the protem President, Capt Dr. George Kurka as the Deputy President, Capt Johari Ibrahim as the Secretary General and Major Micheal Riman as the Treasury General.

After the meeting we held a press conference.

The Borneo Post of 20 September 2011 carried our messages.

Immediately after my return from Sarawak on 27 September 2011, I wrote to YAB Pehin Sri Abdul Taib and YB Tan Sri Alfred Jabu to seek an appointment to see them on two things:

1. Reviving the Sarawak Rangers.

2. Formation of the Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association.

The first may take sometime and with more efforts, while as the second (SRVA) is on the way to being registered with ROS.

Update No. 1 (28 October 2011)
I have an appointment with Senior Minister YB Tan Sri James Masing who had been supporting my moves in this issue on 3 November 2011. I tried to get dates to see the CM and DCM but they are busy and very much tied up.

I have prepared the necessary proposal paper on the proposal to revive Sarawak Rangers and formation of Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association.

I hope to impress on YB Tan Sri James Masing to help me push the idea to the highest level.

Update No. 2 (3 November 2011)
As planned, I met YB Tan Sri James Masing in his Ministry on 3 November 2011. We had a fruitful discussion. I briefed him on my two plans:

1.     Formation of Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association, which will be registered through the new Veterans Act / Council which was recently tabled in Parliament and now awaiting for the final endorsement by DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong - most likely in December 2011. That is why we do not want to have it registered through ROS, as it would mean we would have to re-register it again with the Veterans Council later.

         The Association has already been accepted by the Ministry of Defence even though it is functioning under its protem committee. It was brought to my attention that some former members of the Sarawak Rangers questioned our rights in forming SRVA. As we are members of the Malaysian Rangers and not Sarawak Rangers, we shouldn't call our Association by that name. Name aside, the Association will strive to serve ALL SERVICEMEN, including ex- Iban Trackers, ex- Sarawak Rangers, ex- Malaysian Rangers, other ex-servicemen from the other Corps and their immediate family members. This is spelt out in our Constitution. I used the term "Sarawak Rangers" because we want to honour and respect them for the sacrifices that they had made to this nation of ours.

2.      The revival of Sarawak Rangers.   In my proposal paper, I based the organisation of the New Sarawak Rangers on a standard Infantry Battalion. We know, asking for a Battalon is too much. It is up to the State to determine the size of the Unit it can afford ot sustain.

          The Minister voiced his opinion that he like the idea of retaining the tracking skills it was famous for. This will be an aspect that will be considered. I have touched on the roles that the New Sarawak Rangers can play in.

Meeting Minister YB Tan Sri James Masing in his Ministry.

L to R: WO 1 (Rtd) Temenggong Datuk Kanang ak Langkau SP PGB, Lt Col (Rtd) Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB, YB Tan Sri James Masing, Captain (Rtd) Johari Ibrahim and Captain (Rtd) Cr George Kurka.

I presented my book to the Minister

Update No. 3 (4 November 2011)

The next day, 4 November 2011, I had my second meeting to fine-tune the SRVA.

Commander 9 Brigade (right), Brig Gen Datuk Stephen Mundaw (the first Iban General) in attendance.

To my right is Secretary General Capt (Rtd) Hj Johari Ibrahim, Temenggong Datuk Kanang ak. Langkau SP, PGB and Major (Rtd) Kahar.

L to R: Brig Gen Datuk Stephen Mundaw (in attendance only), Commander 9 Brigade, Capt Dr George Kurka, Deputy President of SRVA.

At the other end of the table is Major (Rtd) Micheal Riman PGB

L to R: Warrant Officer 1 (Rtd) Adi Jala, Major (Rtd) Kahar, me, Brig Gen Datuk Stephen Mundaw, Capt (Rtd) Hj Johari Ibrahim, WO 1 (Rtd) Temenggong Kanang ak. Langkau SP, PGB and Capt Dr George Kurka.

Good Winds of Change in Sarawak.

2011-10-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

There are visibly good winds of change blowing in Sarawak now. I hope it brings about some permanent change and not the seasonal, brought about by the coming General Election which is just around the corner.

Since I initiated Op Ngerapuh / Op Mai Pulai, an operation to bring home remains of the 21 Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers KIA in Malaya, back to their homeland in Sarawak, the public, at large, are more aware of the sacrifices the Ibans had made in the Malayan Emergency. When before, they were unknown to most, now they have become a talking point at coffee shops and kopitiams. The State and the Federal governments are now heeding the mounting calls and requests from the many veterans association in Sarawak to recognise and value the services the veterans had rendered to the Country by giving back what were due to them..

Below are some of the points highlighted in the Borneo Post of 11 October 2011, an English language daily in Sarawak.

The ex-Iban Trackers and ex-Sarawak Rangers will not be forgotten for the one-time payment of RM3000.00 by the government, in appreciation of their services during the Malayan Emergency 1948 - 1960.

At last, a pledge that more Sarawakians will hold senior ranks and appointment in the Malaysian Army. But first, more Sarawakians must be wooed to join.

YB Tan Sri James Masing, the senior minister for Land Development had been fully suportive of my plans to re-form the Sarawak Rangers and the Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association which I'm forming to help raise the quality of lives of the ex Trackers, ex Sarawak Rangers, ex Malaysian Rangers and other Sarawak veterans as well.