A HERO: Photo of Paul Nyopis during his younger years in the service.
FLASHBACK: A recent photo of Paul Nyopis.
KUCHING: The Bidayuh community’s first and only Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) recipient Paul Nyopis Noyeat passed away yesterday morning, two months after suffering from stroke.
Malaysian Ex-Servicemen Association (PBTM) Tasik Biru chairman Jossem Daweg said the late Paul, who was paralysed since the stroke, breathed his last at the Bau District Hospital at 9.52am yesterday.
His body was brought back to his family home in Kampung Rumih yesterday afternoon, and the funeral is scheduled to take place at the village at 2pm today.
The late Paul was 71 years old. He left behind wife Kimen Lambek and seven children Evelyn, Rosni, Noni, Janty, Jailani, Terry and Azura.
He was so far the only Bidayuh to be awarded the PGB, one of the country’s highest gallantry awards. The retired corporal is best known for his heroic act when he single-handedly fought off 15 terrorists from the Pasukan Rakyat Kalimantan Utara (Paraku) at Jalan Sebuku-Tondong, Bau on April 15, 1972.
He was then in an army convoy from Kuching to Bau. Upon reaching Tondong, the convoy was ambushed by a group of communist insurgents. Three Paraku members were killed in the skirmish. Paul retired after 21 years of service with the Royal Ranger Regiment.
For his heroics, he was awarded the PGB which he received from the Yang diPertuan Agung in conjunction with the King’s birthday on June 8, 1978.
Meanwhile, Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Dato Peter Minos said the Jagoi-Bratak Bidayuh people were very saddened by the demise of one of their panglima (warrior).
“The late Paul Nyopis was a very active member and supporter of the association, always giving support and assistance in our functions. May he rest in peace,” said Minos.
Adding that he would be flying from Kuala Lumpur to attend the funeral, he said the late Paul being the Bidayuh’s sole PGB recipient showed to others that Bidayuhs cared for the nation, defending it when and where necessary.
“He showed bravery in the face of extreme danger. And for that, we are very proud of him. We share with his family the big loss and bereavement,” he said.
When contacted by Bernama yesterday, Sarawak Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) director Lt Col Monday Juhid described Paul’s death as a big loss to the country and the Bidayuh community.
“I am deeply saddened by this loss as Nyopis (Paul) and I came from the Bau district. Nyopis’ bravery in combat, for which he was awarded the PGB, is well-known,” he said.