On 30th March 2008, Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal Award Ceremony has taken place at Manurewa Returned Service Association (RSA) hall at Manurewa. This ceremony was held to commemorate retired New Zealand soldiers who fought to protect Malaysia’s sovereignty during the World War II and the Insurgency.
Mr. Walter Netto, the honorary member of the NZ Malayan Veteran Society has contacted Malaysian students and invited us to participate in this ceremony. A group of students from UMNO Auckland and UMSA (United Malaysia Student Organization in Auckland) was given the privilege to perform cultural dances, namely Tarian Sumazau and Zapin, and also to recite a poem written especially for the occasion.
The medals were presented by Malaysia Defence Advisor to the Malaya High Commission from Wellington, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Faiezzelan. He was proud to see Malaysian students having the chance to experience the nostalgic and important part of the history of Malaysia through the appreciation of these soldiers’ endeavours. He also presented a remembrance medal to the students that took part in the event.
We, students from UMNO Auckland are honoured and delighted to be part of this historic event that celebrated Malaysia’s independence. It also reminded us of the struggle that the older generation had to go through to achieve what we had today.
The Manurewa RSA had also promised to continue this new bond of friendship we had created with them, assuring us that they would support and welcome us any time in the future. It is truly a proof that even after 50 years of Independence, Malaysia still remembered those who fought for her and we hope that this relationship shall endure the test of time.
