PGB Warrior

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 APPROVED BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SOCIETY.

2012-06-13T03:40:00.002-07:00

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).

FORMING YET ANOTHER ASSOCIATION

2012-03-22T07:07:00.001-07:00

I am yet involved in the formation of yet another association that intend to look after the welfare of ex servicemen as the present PBTM, Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia (Ex Servicemen Association of Malaysia) is deemed not fully effective in looking after the welfare of the ex servicemen. There are too many grumblings and unhappiness about it.

Trying to make it change had been impossible as many members had experienced - they were expelled for speaking out. Changing the President through the Constitution also had been unsuccessful as he had built an impenetrable forts around himself. There is no mention in the Constitution, how long he could remain as President. He had been there for 18 long years! Look like he will remain there for many many more years.

My involvement in the Yayasan Ex Servicemen League is not by choice. It started when I posted some old pictures of operations I took part in, in the 70s and 80s in my facebook. Conversations soon, inevitably, drifted to unhappiness towards PBTM. I began to feel uncomfortable as some were bitterly against PBTM. So, in order that this kind of conversation is kept out of the general public's attention, I decided to form a close forum in facebook. It was initially called EX SERVICEMEN UPDATE. As more members joined in and more serious talks were exchanged, an idea to form an Association to help the well-beings of all servicemen was raised. After the first meeting on 17 March 2012, we decided to form a "Foundation" (Yayasan) as opposed to "Association"(Persatuan) because the later has more advantages. The new name is now YAYASAN EX-SERVICEMEN LEAGUE.

A Protem Committee was formed with me as the Protem President. A heavy responsibility. With the responsibility of shouldering my Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (SRVA) in Sarawak, I will not be able to shoulder both. I will have to unhitch one off my shoulder - that is Yayasan ESL. SRVA is closer home and therefore is closer to my heart.

As the Chairman, I was giving out my parts.

Some of the participants. L to R: Kol Mohd Zaini,

Lt Kol Hamzah and Maj Baghwan.

A participant narrating problem he encountered

Maj Ali Khan giving his points.

One for the album. I'm in the centre. Had a lady

participant in Maj Nora'in.

On the whole, the meeting on 17 March 2012 had been successful in starting off Foundation Ex Servicen League. A Protem Committee had been formed and the proper Committee to serve in the first term will be selected at an AGM soon after registration is approved.

Update
I had opted out from being the Protem President. I have too many on my hands - President of Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (in Kuching, Sarawak), Protem President of the SP and PGB Association and Kelab Cintai Taiping (Love Taiping Club). Beside that, I don't have the energy to travel to KL everytime there is a meeting or event.

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.

Tracking the Trackers up the Mighty Rejang River.

2011-10-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

General Datuk Stephen Mundaw called me one day. Would I like to join his team on a trip up the Rejang River? I can do my search for the Trackers.

That was the chance I had been waiting for and I wouldn't like to miss it for all the world. That was a golden opportunity too for the Documentary Film team to make the last phase of their shooting. I called Kamaruddin the Director, of the plan. He agreed at the very last minute but will follow at a later date.

As usual, I wanted to kill two birds with one stone. It is not easy for me to make a trip to Kuching. It is always governed by financial availability. I wanted to follow up on what I had suggested in my speech during the reburial ceremony of the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers KIA in Malaya during the Malayan Emergency 1948-1960 - the revival of the Sarawak Rangers and another idea that had just cropped up from discussions with friends, i.e. forming up a Sarawak Rangers Veteran Association (SRVA).
SRVA aims to be a business-orientated association. We intend to make money and we intend to use it for the good of these veterans and their families.

I flew down to Kuching on Sunday,18 September 2011.

On Monday, 19 September 2011 I held a meeting with my SRVA protem Committee Members At about 1700 hours on the same day, I flew to Sibu. Gen Datuk Stephen was kind enough to provide me with an accomodation in his Officers Mess. I didn't have the time to use the Mess facilities as I arrived at night and left early the next day for Kapit. The VIP room was excellent.

My express boat left the Express Boat Terminal in Sibu town at 8 a.m sharp. Good thing I left the Officers Mess at 7 a.m. It was a good 30 minutes drive. I had enough time for breakfast in town with Major Ding, 3rd Rangers Second-In-Command. He was to be my guide throughout my trip to Ulu Rejang. His primary duty was actually in charge of his Rafting team that would be taking part in the annual rafting competition in Ulu Rejang.

The journey upriver took about 3 1/2 hours at RM40.00.

The Express Boat was fast. It could easily be 50mph.

Ships like this was a common sight going up or down the Rejang River, empty or ladened with logs.

We passed the awesome Durin bridge spanning the Rejang River.

Logging activities by the river.

More logging activities. This is one of the major contributory factors that turned the Rejang River into a murky, heavily silted and pulluted river.

The result: polluted and floating logs that are dangerous to boats plying the river.

(To be continued)

Reunion of Sultan Abdullah's descendents on 1 September 2011.

2011-09-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

For the first time, descendents of Perak's 26th Sultan, Paduka Seri Sultan Abdullah Muhammad Shah II Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ja'afar Safiuddin Mua'adzam Shah (1874 - 1877) had organised a reunion on September 1, 2011 at Syuen Hotel, Ipoh, Perak.

The event was attended by about 300 descendents from 6 generations. However, many didn't know about the reunion

Paduka Seri Sultan Abdullah Myhammad Shah II Ibni Almarhum Ibni Sultan Ja'afar Safiuddin Mu'adzam Shah was proclaimed the 26th Sultan of Perak after the signing of the Treaty of Pangkor on 20th January 1874.

Implicated with the murder of the British Resident J.W.W Birch, he was deposed and exiled to the Syechelles. He was later allowed to come back to Singapore, where he died in 1922. He was buried at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak.

Some of the participants

My family: My wife - 4th generation. My daughter and son - 5th generation. My 4 grandchildren - 6th generation.

Raja Said Tauphy Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdullah Muhammad Shah II's lineage

The 4th generation.

Close up of the 4th generation.

LOOKING FOR A LOST IBAN FROM SARAWAK

2011-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Name:   GERINANG ANAK SIBAT.

Address:    Kerangan Bungkang, Tapang Nawi, Katibas, Song, Sarawak.

The Story / Episode:    In 1943, when he was about 3 years old, he was adopted and taken to New Zealand. He joined the NZ Army and sometime in 1956, while enroute to Singapore and Malaya to join the Commonwealth Forces in fighting the Communist Insurgency, he stopped briefly to see his family in Sarawak. That was the last his family had seen and heard of him.

Is he still alive? If he is dead, where is he buried? That are the painful questions that his family members have been asking for the last 50 odd years.

If anyone have any information, please contact me at +6012 2751171 or email : rizalbob@gmail.com/

Malaysia's No. 1 Water Filtration System (Penapis Air No.1 Malaysia)

2011-08-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

Nama: BEAUTIFUL BIO AURA (BBA).

High technology FIR (far infrared) - Nano
Website: Layari /Browse my website: http://bioauracurativewater.blogspot.com/

PRICE:   RM2080.00 (West Malaysia)
              RM2090.00 (East Malaysia)
* TIDAK MEMERLUKAN KUASA LETRIK.
DO NOT USE ELECTRICITY.
* MUDAH DI PASANG.
   EASY INSTALLATION.
* BOLEH DIBAWA KE MANA-MANA.
   PORTABLE.
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Sifat air Bio Aura:
Characteristics:

1. Kandungan mineral tinggi.
High mineral contents.

2. Bertenaga.
Energised

3.   Mencepatkan proses metabilisma.
      Enhance the process of metabolism.
4.   Meningkatkan kapasiti nutrien.
      Improving nutrient capacity.
5.   Meningkatkan kandungan oksigen.
      Enhancing oxygen content.

6. Molekul air halus memudahkan diserap kedalam sel badan.
Minute water molucules for easy absorbtion into the body.

7. Melancarkan aliran peredaran darah.
Enhance better blood flow.

8. Membaiki sistem penghadaman.
Improving digestion.

9. Mencegah masalah berkaitan jantung.
Prevention of heart-related diseases.

10. Menyingkirkan bahan bahan tidak diperlukan.
Expulsion of unwanted materials.

11. Memperbaikan perpeluhan dan melegakan kepanasan.
Improve sweating capability and relief from heaty condition.

12. Membantu komunikasi antara sel dan kelajuan maklumat.
Improve communication between cells and enhance speedy information.

13. Tidak mempunyai kesan magnetik yang tinggi.
Do not possess high magnetic content.

14. Kelembapan kulit dan memperlahankan penuaan.
Maintain moisturised skin and slow down ageing.

15. Meningkatkan kemampuan sistem immuniti.
Improving immunity system.

16. Nilai PH setara dengan keperluan manusia.
Alkali (PH) content same as that required by the body.

17. Kegunaan domestik untuk kesegaran makanan.
Domestic use to ensure freshness in food.

Untuk keterangan lanjut, sila hubungi:

For more information please contact:

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atau

Email: rizalbob@gmail.com/

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Claiming a Panglima Gagah Berani gallantry award for a contact he made 38 years ago.

2011-08-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

I received a call this morning from one of my Section Commanders ( a Corperal then). He seeks a Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) gallantry medal for a contact he made in Sarawak's First Division where he and the section he led killed 2 CTs. That was in 1973.

I was astounded. Why only after 38 years he dug up and brought up the issue?

It is unthinkable to claim such a prestigeous award when the incident had happened 38 years ago! And not every skirmishes with the CTs deserved a gallantry award. If we go by that yardstick, then, I would have been awarded 4 PGBs. The situations, circumstances and how the battle was fought by the deserving individual will play a big role in determining whether he deserved to be given a gallantry award. To me, that skirmish he fought was simple and almost without any resistance as the 2 CTs were poorly armed with a home made shot gun.

In any case, what can I do as the final authority rested with the Commanding Officer then? If the then Commanding Officer saw that he didn't deserve the PGB, should he change his mind after 38 years? Can he now write a citation and recommend him for the award?

Can somebody in authority give me the feed back?

So far I have came across 2 such claims. Why suddenly the fuss now? Most possibly, the publicity given to the homecoming of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers the last few years that culminated in the reburial on 27 July 2011 was one factor. The handsome amount of allowance the PGB receipients receive is another. Thirdly, he must have thought I can do miracles - after my successful role in bringing back the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers.

Reviving Sarawak Rangers.

2011-07-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

Firm in the belief that "only Dayaks can kill Dayaks", Rajah Charles Brooke formed an all-Dayak 32-men strong force that was later to be known as the Sarawak Rangers on October 1862. But it was only gazetted on 2 September 1872. From then on, no military expeditions were launched without it. Sarawak Rangers became the nucleus of every expeditions he mounted against the rebellious Dayaks. Sarawak Rangers must never disappear into the folds of history. It is an important link to our illustrious past. It is the pride of the Ibans and Sarawak. This I had mentioned in my speech on 27 July 2011, during the reburial ceremony of the 21 Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers killed during the first phase of the Malayan Emergency 1948 - 1960. Sarawak's top leaderships were present, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Deputy Federal Home Minister, YB William Mawan, YB Tan Sri James Masing and Sarawak's top brass, amongst the many.

Sarawak Rangers had been the pride of the Rajahs who had taken great personal interest in it. All its Commanding Officers and trainers were the personal choice of the Rajahs.

However, due to the Great Economic Recession of the 1930s, the Rajah could not sustain the Force and on 29 February 1932, Sarawak Rangers was officially disbanded. Most returned to their long houses while some were absorbed into the Sarawak Constabulary.

In August 1941, just before the Japanese Army invaded Sarawak, the Rangers was re-raised and it was involved in the defence of Miri/Lutong and Kuching.

The Japanese Forces were too strong for the Rangers. They conceded defeat and dispersed. Later they were to join Major Tom Harrison and the Z Force to fight and harrass the Japanese. Sarawak was liberated by the Australian forces on 11 September 1945 and by 29 October of the same year, Z force disintergrated and the ex-Rangers also went home.

Eight weeks after the Malayan Emergency was declared on 16 June 1948, the first group of 49 Iban Trackers were sent to Malaya - to meet the request of the Malayan government. The Commonwealth forces need the tracking skills of the Ibans to track down the communist terrorists in the thick jungle of Malaya.

What happened after that had been mentioned in my other write-ups. The Iban Trackers was an astounding success. As requested by the Iban leaders back home that their warriors be given full military responsibility, the para military Iban Trackers were re-formed into the Sarawak Rangers - a full-fledged military unit with Lt Col C.J Baird as their first Commanding Officer on 1 January 1953. Oganised into two platoons, Sarawak Rangers continued to perform the same task that they were doing when they were Iban Trackers.

Then on 31 March 1960, Sarawak Rangers (Malayan Unit) was disbanded and the next day, 1 April 1960, it became Sarawak Rangers (Far East Land Forces), to become a part of the British Army. They could now be deployed anywhere in the world.

However, on 15 September 1963, it was again disbanded and on 16 September 1963 it became the 1st Battalion, Malaysian Rangers. Only 100 members of the Sarawak Rangers (FELF) volunteered to continue their service while the rest opted to return to their long houses.

Between them they had earned many awards, including:

1.   GEORGE CROSS    Tracker Awang ak. Rawing.
2.   GEORGE MEDAL   Cpl Menggong ak. Panggit.
3.   MILITARY MEDAL   LCpl Sanggau ak. Janti.
4.   BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL    WO 2 Gou ak. Samada.
5.   MENTION IN DESPATCHES    23 of them were awarded.
6.   COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S CERTIFICATES     21 of the were awarded.

Continuing the Legacy
DON'T LET THIS ELITE UNIT DISAPPEAR. They must be revived to remind us of our illustrious past. Let it be a beacon and an example for our future generations to emuliate. The least we can do is to give it a new responsibiity. Create a new SARAWAK RANGERS that will perform ceremonial duties at official residences, offices, premises and other places of public interest. Give them uniforms that reflect their illustrious past and to add colour and dignity to Sarawak.

Sarawak Rangers had had a long and illustrious history since its inception in 1862 by Rajah Charles Brooke. What they had done and achieved during the Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960 were something that all Sarawakians must be proud of.

In the twelve years of fighting, they had a very low casualty figures - bearing in mind that they were always at the front most in all operations. They suffered only 21 KIA and 25 WIA.

In the process, they had made a name and a reputation as being the best trackers in the world and known for their bravery and prowess in the battle field.

This is a legacy that Sarawak must be proud of. This is the legacy that we must emulate. This is a legacy that we must not allow to disappear into the fold of the history book. We must keep it alive by re-forming it so that the present and the future generation will be reminded of what our fore fathers had achieved and with the hope that the future generations will strive to be better.

Members of the New Sarawak Rangers performing the ngajat welcoming dance.

In full traditional regalia

Another possibility of dress.

Update No. 1 (3 November 2011)

Had an appointment to see and brief YB Tan Sri James Masing today (3 Nov 11) to seek his advice and help to forward our plan to revive Sarawak Rangers as a ceremonial unit for Sarawak only.

He was supportive of the idea and would help bring the matter up to the highest attention. But first, we must get Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association registered vide Veterans Council which should be in force by December 2011.

At the same meeting we offered him as the Advisor to Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association which he accepted. We will follow this up officially with an offer letter.

Waiting for our turn to see YB Tan Sri James Masing. L to R: Temenggong Datuk Kanang ak Langkau SP PGB, Capt Johari Ibrahim (Rtd), me Lt Col Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB (Rtd) and Capt Dr George Kurka (Rtd) and not in picture is Major Micheal Riman PGB (Rtd).

Briefing and discussing the issue with the Minister.

After the meeting / discussion, I presented the Minister with a copy of my book, My Adventure.

Home at last - after 60 long years.

2011-07-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

For many, they left their long houses against the wishes of their parents. For most of them, the spirits and thirst for adventure in foreign land was too hard to resist. They couldn't hold back their warrior spirits and there was no better place than the turmoil in Malaya to let it loose.

Most were still young men of about 17 years old. Some were already married and had children. It was a one way journey for many - 21 of them to be exact.

For the parents and wives who had lost their loved ones, there had been no hope of ever seeing their loved ones again - not until Operation Ngerapuh and later called Operation Mai Pulai (Operation Bringing Home) was mooted by me at the end of 2008, with the consent of the Chief Minister.

Three years later on 27 July 2011, the 21 remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers were brought home. They were laid to rest at their final resting place at a Heroes' Graves in Kuching, Sarawak. They are home at last - after 60 long years. It was a tearful "reunion" for many and tears flowed freely that day. Here are some of the scenes.

The pall bearers brought the 21 remains to the burial ground.

.....and carefully placed at the alloted graves.

As the prime mover of the project, I was given the honour to give a speech, where I read a poem and proposed the revival of the Sarawak Rangers. It received an applause from the ex trackers, ex Sarawak Rangers and the next-of-kins. I also suggested what George Swetman had suggested: have a display corner where artifacts, documents and photographs related to the Trackers and Sarawak Rangers could be displayed. Sarawak Museum will undertake this job.

Some of the VIPs - the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Deputy Federal Homes Affair Minister, a number of the State Minsters, General Officer Commanding 1 Infantry Division, Brigade Commander of 3 Brigade and 9 Brigade, ex servicemen and Gallantry award holders.

The flags were carefully folded.

......handed over to the next-of-kins by the CM

Placing the caskets in the graves.

Pte Ugap's elder brother placing a bouquet of flowers over his brother's grave.

A tearful and inconsolable mother, daughter and grand daughter placing a bouquet over Nyambik's grave.

The Heroes' Grave

The epitaph

Sharing the same entrance to the WW2 Heroes' Grave

Some Final Preparations Before the Reburial on 27 July 2011.

2011-07-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

The State of Sarawak is doing its utmost to ensure that Iban traditions and ancient rites are adhered to in bringing the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers home to Sarawak and rebury them in the Heroes' Graves in Kuching on 27 July 2011.

Here is the latest report from The Borneo Post daily.

These are the little jars where the remains will be kept in.

Marksmanship

2011-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Shooting had been one of my favourite events during my cadet training days from 1967 to 1969. I had taken all aspects of training very seriously. I wanted to make sure I achieved what we were supposed to be when we were commissioned as Second Lieutenants. I wanted to be an all-round soldier who had the strength and stamina, stand the harsh battlefield conditions and have the courage to lead my men into battles. I had visualised these even before I joined the Army.

I had taken a great interest in weapon handling and shooting. I'm not bragging but I'm proud to say that I was a marksman in rifle shooting and I was a champion in the pistol category during the 1967 Rifle Meet in the Royal Military College.

I carried this confidence with me when I was posted to 3rd Rangers after I passed out from RMC in 1969. My successes in battles with the communist terrorists spoke of my shooting skill. I shot at least 5 CTs. You will never realise how much confidence your shooting prowess and skill can give you. That was how I felt, everytime I went for jungle operations looking for the CTs.

I'm standing second from the right. Picture courtesy of Zamri Ismail.

It shows the Champion Team (Abdul Rahman Coy) in RMC's Rifle Meet 1967.

Poetry: In Honour of the Brave Iban Warriors.

2011-07-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

POETRY: IN HONOUR OF THE IBAN WARRIORS

Lt Kol Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB

(In honour of the fallen Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers who had sacrificed their lives in the Insurgency War in Malaya from 1948 to 1960)

O Ye men of war!
Your name will live forever.
To you, courage is a virtue.
We are forever indebted to you.

You seek the path of danger.
Where death lurks spewing fear.
Behind every nooks, lurking.
Waiting to sever life’s string.

O Ye warrior most noble.
The bravest and most able.
Strength unparalleled and mind of steel.
Matched by swords tempered to kill.

Protected by the spirits and gods of war.
You marched forward without fear.
Firm in the belief you were right.
On you, weapons of evil have no might.

In battle, withdrawal was a weakness.
Come what may, march forward, nevertheless.
Your beliefs were your strength and victory.
We pray there are many more with your tenacity.

After 60 long years seemingly eternity.
You are coming home, finally.
By your deeds you had sown the seeds
For the world to know your courageous feats.

Rest thee well O noble warriors.
You had set a tradition most precious.
A legacy that your generations must live by.
A tenet of life that mustn’t die.

End

This is it. The reburial of the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers has been set for 27 July 2011 in Kuching. As the prime mover of this project, I have been asked to give a short speech and I hope to read this poem which I had written for the occasion.

The Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers - a Spiritual Encouragement

2011-07-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

It is heartening to note that what I had written in my blog had affected the lives of many readers - in a positive way. I had wanted to make sure the exploits of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers are not forgotten and buried. They had played an important role in helping the Commonwealth forces in the war against the Communist Terrorists as trackers.

In the 12 years of fighting (1948 - 1960), 20 of them were killed in actions and another 25 wounded. One of them, Awang ak. Rawing earned the only George Cross awarded in the Malayan Emergency, a civilian version of the Victoria Cross.

It had been their brave exploits that had affected my life. I vowed to be a soldier. I got my wish granted and became a Ranger myself. I tried to emuliate them and in the process had fought many battles with the Communist Terrorists in the 70s and 80s both in Malaya and Sarawak. On 11 October 1973, I attacked one of their camps in Kuching. I was awarded a Panglima Gagah Berani, an equivalent of a Military Cross of the British Army.

Since I embarked on Op Ngerapuh, now Op Mai Pulai in 2008, I had received many calls of encouragement and gratitude from fellow Sarawakians. Their feeling of gratitude had been my rewards. Now that this project is nearing completion, invited or not, I will witness the reburials of these brave men who had sacrificed their lives for this nation of ours.

A few days ago, one of the Ibans working with Petronas Carigali in Iraq had told me that he had been inspired by the exploits of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers that he had read in my blog. He took the challenge to work in Iraq, which was then at war. Their base had been bombarded with rockets and mortar fire every night. It was the spirit of his Iban forefathers that had kept him strong.

He read of my exploits too in my blog and had just ordered 3 of my biography, My Adventures, which I have just couriered to him in Iraq this morning.

My soldier, a bobby trap victim: lost and found.

2011-07-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

In 1976, 3rd Battalion, The Malaysian Rangers was a part of a Divisional Group operating deep in South Thailand alongside the Thai Military Forces. Forty kilometres to be exact - in an area called Ban To.

The area showed signs of the presence of the Communist Terrorists (CTs): Terrains above 1000ft was said to be bobby trapped. Well-used tracks hugging the Malaysian-Thai Border existed. There were many spent rifle cartridges found in open spaces and well-used tracks. We were told the CTs used to shoot at the Royal Malaysian Air Force helicopters flying in the vicinity.

Towards the end of the joint operation, 3rd Rangers became the stay-behind party - all other forces were withdrawn from the area.

With the help of a Special Government Agent (SGA), I located the vegetable plot where the SGA used to work in from 0600 to 1900 hours daily. I scanned the surrounding area with my binocular and saw a few CTs climbing up a slope with sacks on their back. I knew there were CTs in a hut whose roof top was just visible from where I was about 600m on another ridge. I saw a sentry under a papaya tree looking the opposite direction.

I made a plan to attack them and called the rest of my "C" Company to rendezvous with me (I was actually on a reconnaissance patrol and had only 5 men with me). By the time we were ready, it was already quite late. After unsuccessfully trying to bear artillery fire on the target, I decided to "soften" the target area with my own company support weapons - a 60mm mor, a GPMG and a 40mm M79 Grenade Launcher. After about 5 minutes of heavy fire, I sent down a platoon to search the area. No CTs.

Early the next day, we swept and searched the area again. I heard a loud explosion and cringed at the thought that one of my men had stepped on a bobby trap. My fear was confirmed when I heard a shout. I went to the location and saw one of my men lying on the ground with his left foot shattered. Even after 3 jabs of morphine, he was still groaning in pain. An hour later, a helicopter came to pick him up and sent him to the nearest hospital in Penang. That was the last I saw of Ranger Amiruddin.

I met him yesterday (3 July 2011) at a get-together organised by a few of my ex soldiers - retired WO2 Asri Yusof and retired SSjn Mohd Mokhtar in Taman Ria, Sg Petani, Kedah. I couldn't even remember his name, let alone recognise him. It was not until our conversations had drifted to Operation Cahaya Bena in 1976 in South Thailand that somebody pointed him out to me. All these years, I had been trying to remember him but just couldn't. It had been a long 25 years.

According to him he was in GH Penang for 3 months. His left foot was amputated below the knee, immediately.

At the moment he is living solely on his pension. What are his hopes? Looking forward to the promise made by the former Defence Minister on an invalidity allowance for bobby trapped victims. Can the Government make good the promise? Let's hope this article gets to the right ears.

Rgr Amiruddin flanked by me on the left and my "batman" (retired WO 1 Azmi (RSM MTD)) during that operation.

Reunion at WO2 Asri's house in Taman Ria, Sg Petani, Kedah.

WO2 Asri is seated on the left.

The Letter that launched Operation Ngerapuh.

2011-06-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

This was The Letter that launched Operation Ngerapuh, now renamed Operation Mai Pulai (a move to bring home the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers killed in actions and buried in various parts of Malaya and Singapore). The heart-breaking picture of the road-side grave of a Sarawak Ranger killed in action against the communist terrorists at the height of the Malayan Emergency 1948 - 1960, moved me to take the necessary actions.

I saw and read the appeal in a blog. I immediately tried to do something worthwhile. It compounded me why the grave was left where it was. Nobody seemed to care and moved it to a more respectable and dignified location, befitting a soldier who had sacrificed his life to defend this country.

It dawned on me that if the Authorities were nonchalant about one grave, it could happen to the other 20 Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers graves in other parts of Malaya and Singapore. I decided to make a move to make Sarawak realised that her dead heroes are buried, scattered and neglected in Malaya.

In conjunction with my book launch by the Chief Minister of Sarawak on 6 November 2008 in Kuching, I prepared the necessary letter and documents that I intended to hand over to the Chief Minister when I briefed him on the situation.

I was pleasantly surprised when he agreed to my proposal to bring back the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers to Kuching and rebury them in a Heroes Memorial. He gave me one term - that all next-of-kins must give their consents.

I set up a committee to do the necessary ground works and I travelled to Kuching quite often from my home base in Taiping, Perak.

The CM, Pehin Seri Abdul Taib Mahmud launched my books on 6 November 2008 in his office.

Discussing the issue with the CM and his Deputy Tan Sri Alfred Jabu ak. Numpang. Kanang ak. Langkau SP, PGB is on the right.

Immediately on my return from Kuching, I wrote a letter to Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran ATM (JHEV) about LKpl Ungkok's road-side grave. Four months later, JHEV exhumed and moved the grave to a Christian Cemetery nearby in full Iban tradition. Thanks JHEV for the quick action.

The "miring ceremony" - an Iban tradition.

The VIPs including Alor Setar's Mayor, JHEV's Director, Maj Gen Dato' Zulkifli, Kol Steven Mundaw in his capacity as a senior Iban military officer, Maj Monday Juhid Director of JHEV Sarawak Branch and yours truly.

Before

After

Moving Operation Ngerapuh Machinery

I had to garner supports for the projects. Luckily for me, I got acquainted with the Editor and officers of Sarawak's major daily paper, The Borneo Post. Through them, I had the project well publicised.

Forming a committee

Paid a courtesy call on YB Dato Seri William Mawan

(in the absence of Deputy CM, YAB Tan Sri Alfred Jabu)

Briefing Tan Sri Alfred Jabu on the project.

The first State-level meeting on Op Ngerapuh

chaired by the Deputy CM, YAB Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

Me and my committee seen here with the Deputy Chief Minister, YAB Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

Nation's Full Support

Then, on 23 February 2010, Operation Ngerapuh received the biggest boost. The Prime Minister, YAB Dato Seri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak during his visit to Sarawak announced his full support to bring the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers home to Kuching. The task was now in the Federal Government's hands. The Army has been tasked to spearhead the move. A week later, I received a call from the acting Chairman of the Malaysian Rangers Corp, Brig Gen Dato Zulkifli Mansor in Ipoh, to brief him on what had happened.

Briefing Acting Rangers Corps Chairman, Brig Gen Datuk Zulkifli

on Op Ngerapuh / Mai Pulai. The Army has been tasked to take over

responsibility.