KUCHING: Community Wellbeing Assistant Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis described the passing of Datuk Awang Raweng as a great loss to the nation, the state and the Iban community especially.
“We have lost a great Iban warrior who is the country’s sole recipient of George Cross medal.
“The medal is the second highest bravery recognition in the military hierarchy granted by the British government.
“The late Awang was the only Malaysian granted with the medal for his extraordinary contributions and he did us proud,” he said in a statement today.
Harden who is also the Simanggang assemblyman further said that the late Awang, during his lifetime, was a Tuai Rumah at Nanga Skrang Ili from 1980 to 2018.
“The Simanggang residents expressed their appreciation to Sarawak for the final tribute ceremony and state funeral for the late Awang. This shows that Sarawak appreciates the sacrifices made by its warriors in defending the nation,” he said when paying last respects to the late Awang at his son’s residence today and offered his condolences to the family.
He also thanked the Armed Forces Veteran Affairs Department, 13th Royal Malay Army Regiment (RAMD) at Pakit Camp, First Division Infantry, Third Infantry Brigade, Sri Aman Resident and District Office and Simanggang Service Centre for their assistance in making necessary arrangements.
The late Awang passed away at his son’s residence in Taman Padri, Sri Aman around 2.15pm on Friday (Sept 18). He was 91 years old at the time of his death.
