KUCHING: The Sarawak Rangers Veteran Association (SRVA) received at total of RM100,000 from the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg.
Tun Pehin Sri Taib and Datuk Amar Abang Johari each donated RM50,000 and an official letter to grant a piece of land for farming will later be handed to the Chief Minister for his consideration and approval.
“The letter is currently with me and I will hand over it to Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg when he returns to the state.
“Prior to that, the letter was in the hands of the late Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem,” said Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in his speech at the 150th anniversary dinner of the Sarawak Rangers Veteran Association at Imperial Hotel last Sunday.
Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud in his speech said that members of the Sarawak Rangers who fought to protect the nation during the warring years should be acknowledged for their deeds.
“Sarawak Rangers who consist mostly of Sarawakians should be given more appreciation as they defended both West Malaysia and Sarawak.
“Hence, I would like them to be given more support, so that the younger generation could appreciate and acknowledge their contributions,” said Taib.
He added that although members of the Sarawak Rangers were not originally aware of the formation of Malaysia, their spirit did not waver while they fought against communism which led to the formation of the Sarawak Rangers.
“The unique history should be given more exposure so that any former members who are still alive today will feel appreciated and proud of what they fought for,” said Taib.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the association, Captain Mohd Johari Ibrahim said that they have proposed a total of 6,000 acres of land for the purpose of farming.
“Proceeds from the farm will be used to look into the welfare of the members who are mostly retired and old,” said Johari.
PHOTO: Awang Kushairy Junaidi
