Dr Joachim Gunsalam represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor laying the floral wreath at the Sandakan Memorial Park, Sibuga Forest Reserve in commemoration of the Anzac Day today.
SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Memorial Park, set up to commemorate the fallen heroes of World War II, has become one of the most visited parks in Sabah, recording a total of 7,693 foreign visitors this year alone.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said this also shows that the ultimate sacrifice, bravery and courage of the fallen heroes are always remembered, preserved and honoured at all times.
Speaking at a welcoming reception held at Sabah Hotel here in conjunction with the Anzac Day 2023 last night, Dr Joachim said Anzac Day is a sacred event for all as they remember the heroes who served heroically, full of dedication and grit, and many had given up their lives in an unknown land in order to bring peace to the world.
“No number of words can describe the ultimate sacrifice made by these young men and women.
“In those days, these young men and women may not have any choices because it was a required duty to serve. They came to the front line, leaving their families and beloved ones behind to serve a foreign land.
“As time passes by, we shall and should never forget their service. Even if the monuments are the only thing left behind, their bravery and courage must be remembered, preserved and honoured at all times.
“78 years after the end of world war two, we gather here again in Sandakan and we are blessed to be able to commemorate our fallen heroes. Tomorrow (April 25) marks the official Anzac Day ceremony,” said Dr Joachim, who is also Local Government and Housing Minister.
He also welcomed the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr Justin Lee and his wife, together with 61 Australian visitors.
Also present were Sandakan Municipal Council President Henry Idol, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Mary Malangking, and Local Government and Housing Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Jamili Nais.
The Sandakan Memorial Park commemorates a tragedy and atrocity which struck Sandakan between January and August 1945.
The Memorial Park witnessed the death of approximately 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war held by the Japanese in the Sandakan POW camp, within the sight of Allied victory in the Pacific war.
Situated about 11 km outside of Sandakan, the former site of the notorious WWII prisoner-of-war camp now locates in the suburb of Taman Rimba. The clearly sign-posted Sandakan Memorial Park is well-maintained and beautifully landscaped, which makes it ideal for solitary soul-searching strolls.
The park also includes a small museum that serves as a memorial to the thousands of Australians and British who lost their lives at the hands of the Japanese during WWII.
The memory of WWII is emphasised by the rusting remains of an excavator and a generator and a boiler which still lie in their original positions near the steps leading up to a small Commemorative Pavilion.
Special memorials – Anzac Day (25 April) and Sandakan Day Memorial (15 August) are commemorated annually in this park.
