KOTA KINABALU: Australia stood by Malaysia during the Indonesian Confrontation in 1964 not only by providing defence but also building bridges, roads and schools which had contributed to the development of Sabah.
Task Force 450 commander Major General Datuk Ranjit Singh Ramday said the relationship between Australia and Malaysia went a long time back.
“Just like Australia, we were once a colony of Britain. And Britain has stood by us through thick and thin; likewise the Commonwealth countries, especially Australia, which has been helping Malaysia in the field of defence, education and academic.”
He said the Australians were also in Peninsular Malaysia during the communist resurrection between 1948 and 1960.
Ranjit said this at a get-together function with ex-servicemen from the 7th Field Squadron, Operation Granite, Royal Australian Engineers 1964 here yesterday. Twenty-one of the veterans, including their spouses, were on a two-week visit to Sabah.
He said he was happy for the ex-servicemen’s visit to Sabah, which for many of them, was their first trip back to the state after the confrontation.
“These are the veterans who have contributed to the defence and development of Sabah.”
During that time, Ranjit said the Federation of Malaysia was just formed, followed by the Indonesian Confrontation.
“With the assistance from the British and Commonwealth armies, we managed to suppress the plague that was facing our country then.
“These are the veterans who were here to ensure we survive as a state in Malaysia.”
Ranjit said the veterans had sacrificed lives and money for the cause.
“Their sacrifice should not be in vain. We should always remember that.”
Also present was commander of the Fifth Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Hj Jalaludin Hj Manan.