KUALA LUMPUR: About 100 former servicemen and servicewomen gathered at Tugu Negara today, to honour the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Organised by the Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association, the former armed forces personnel gathered as early as 6.30am for the Remembrance Day ceremony that is now in its third year.
For the ceremony, the veterans and other guests in attendance sang Negaraku, and Inilah Barisan Kita, and paid respects to their fallen comrades by observing a minute's silence and laying wreaths. The Reveille was also played.
Macva president Captain Datuk Lee Kwang Lock, formerly of the Royal Malaysian Navy, said the event, which has not been held since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and renovation works at Tugu Negara, marked a significant return to tradition.
"Remembrance Day is a universal event to honour and remember those who gave their lives in defence of their nations. For Malaysia, it is Hari Pahlawan, held in Putrajaya.
"In honour of those who gave their lives during World War 2, and the Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960, we gather to pay tribute, remember their sacrifices, and reflect on their enduring legacy.
"Your (the veterans') presence at this special event will be cherished as we unite in remembrance and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives during these tumultuous times in history," he said in a speech.
Among the retired army personnel present were Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association president, Lieutenant Colonel Hardial Singh, and Armed Forces Indian Veterans Association president, Major Shanmugam Muniandy.
Lee, who served for 39 years from 1973 to 2012, called on Malaysians not to take peace for granted, and emphasised on the importance of educating the public on the sacrifices laid down by the country's heroes.
"They need to be informed and reminded of the sacrifices of those who are no longer with us, the living veterans, and those still serving."
He also expressed gratitude to the authorities and the government for facilitating today's ceremony.
Also present were representatives from groups such as the WWII History Society, and Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies.