National hero Paul Nyopis laid to rest

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GOODBYE TO A HERO: The sole recipient of Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) medal from the Bidayuh community, Corporal (Rtd) Paul Nyopis Noyeat, who passed away on Monday, being laid to rest in full military honours at Kampung Rumih St Mathias’ Church cemetery in Bau yesterday. Paul, 71, earned one of the country’s gallantry awards after battling 15 communists in Bau during the insurgency period in Sarawak in 1972. – Bernama photo

FULL MILITARY HONOURS: Members of the Malaysian Armed Forces carrying Paul’s casket to the cemetery at Kampung Rumih after the funeral service at the St Mathias’ Chapel. — Photos by Chimon Upon

IN MEMORY: Kimen receiving the Jalur Gemilang which was draped over her husband’s casket from Third Brigade Commander Brigadier General Datuk Nazir Mami (fifth right) after the burial service.

BAU: National hero, Corporal (Rtd) Paul Nyopis Noyeat, 71, who passed away on Monday was laid to rest at the Kampung Rumih Catholic cemetery yesterday.

The funeral service which started at 1pm at the St Mathias’ Chapel was attended by more than 400 family members, former colleagues and friends.

Solemnised by Pastor Michael Jinam Motai, the service was a very emotional and sombre moment, especially when members of the congregation and visitors paid their last respects to the village’s hero.

After the funeral service, Paul’s casket was brought to the village cemetery in full military honours for the burial service.

Paul left behind his wife Kimen Lambek and seven children Evelyn, Rosni, Noni, Janty, Jailani, Terry and Azura.

Paul, who was awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) by the Yang diPertuan Agong on June 8, 1978 passed away at the Bau District Hospital at 9.52am, two months after suffering from a stroke.

The gallantry award was bestowed on him for his heroic act on April 15, 1972 when he singlehandedly fought off 15 terrorists from Pasukan Rakyat Kalimantan Utara (Paraku) at Jalan Sebuku-Tondong, Bau.

He left the service as a corporal in the 8th Ranger Regiment on Sept 20, 1976.

In a brief interview with Malaysian Ex-Services Association (PBTM) Tasik Biru branch chairman Jossem Daweg said Paul had expressed his hope that the association would be able to reach greater heights in the future.

Among those attending the funeral service were Opar assemblyman Ranum Mina, State Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV) director Lt Col Monday Juhid, Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Datuk Peter Minos, representatives from the Dayak Bidayuh National Association and community leaders from the nearby villages.

Malaysian First Infantry Division Deputy Commander brigadier general Dato Pahlawan Redzuan Baharuddin was also present.