Fatimah (seated on sofa eighth left), flanked by Chan on her right and Rowland on her left, in a group photo with the entourage from Australia as well as distinguished guests. Also seen are Anzac veteran Roland Hatch (seated on sofa, third left) and former child prisoner Jeli Abdullah (standing first row, eighth left).
KUCHING: The younger generation should not only learn about history but speak about it and pass on the value of peace and freedom to the next and future generations.
Ryan Rowland, who led a delegation of 30 Australians comprising Anzac veterans and students to the city on a cultural exchange, emphasised that every generation should make an effort to understand and appreciate history, particularly the wartimes.
“It has been an exceptional challenge especially for soldiers who have fought in wars…looking at aspects of dignity and the impact of wars on individuals, families, community and country,” he said.
Ryan and delegation were treated to a dinner hosted by Australian Business Centre director Rodger Chan in appreciation of Australia being a lifelong friend of Sarawak since wartimes at his residence at Three Hills Park here on Wednesday.
Among the distinguished guests were Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, permanent secretary to the Tourism Ministry Datu Ik Pahon, Museum Department director Ipoi Datan, Sarawak Tourism Federation Heritage Development committee chairman Lim Kian Hock and 92-year-old Anzac veteran Roland Hatch, who helped release child prisoners of war at Batu Lintang Camp in the 1940s, as well as former child prisoner Jeli Abdullah.
Rowland however pointed out that people learnt and eventually recovered as it was human nature.
“Peace and reconciliation are the answer to peace and freedom. And participants will change after participating in this exchange programme,” he said.
He urged people, especially students, not to take this experience for granted.
Meanwhile, Fatimah highlighted that the delegation’s meaningful visit was a reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of all present and former soldiers including the fallen ones whose sacrifice had enabled ordinary people to enjoy life in peace and harmony.
“More importantly, your visit will further nurture and cement our friendship especially between the government of Australia and Sarawak,” she said, pointing to the lifelong ties from the wartimes to this day.
As such, she added, the exchange visit was significant to allow young people to personally experience and see Sarawak.
“There is nothing like a personal experience, to learn and better understand people, cultures and places,” she elaborated.
“We are all for peace which is emphasised in education as we continue to emphasise the value of acceptance and respect for one another especially in this diverse society we live in,” she added.
Fatimah urged the young generation to pursue and preserve world peace and freedom.
Chan highlighted that the exchange visit strengthened the already strong people to people link between Australia and Malaysia especially Sarawak.
“You came and helped us during the Second World War, liberated us from the Japanese Occupation and even during the Borneo Confrontation, giving us the freedom and peace we enjoy today,” he said in thanking the veterans.
“You have been our good friend since. Friends don’t go to war to fight each other but embrace and enrich each others’ lives,” he added.
Chan further emphasised the importance of not forgetting the lessons learned in wartimes but to uphold and pass on the spirit and values of freedom and peace.