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From my MEP (UKIP)

PRESS RELEASE
MIKE NATTRASS MEP

MEP calls for veterans to be allowed to wear PJM medal

Issue Date: Monday, November 30 2010

West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass is backing a concerted campaign by veterans to wear their Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal, which UK troops won through service in Malaysia, including Borneo.

The UKIP MEP has pledged to fight for UK veterans to be allowed to wear the decoration, in the same way that their Australian and New Zealand comrades are allowed to do so.

The Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal was awarded to British and Commonwealth troops by the Yuan di Pertuan Agong of Malaysia for service in Malaya and Borneo from the date of their country's independence on 31st August, 1957, to 31st December, 1966, during what was known in Malaya (now Malaysia) as ‘The Emergency’ and in Borneo as the ‘Konfrontasi’.

But, due to a decision by UK civil servants, those British troops who received this decoration are denied the right to wear it.
During the Emergency 1,346 Malayan troops and 519 British military personnel were killed with 2,406 Malayan and British troops wounded. Civilian casualties were 2,478 killed and 810 missing.

Australian and New Zealand veterans were given permission by the Queen to accept and wear the PJM but British veterans are denied this, due to an instruction from the Honours and Decorations Committee.

Commenting on the issue, Mr Nattrass said: “Men and women who join up to serve our country do not ask for much, but their service and dedication should be recognised and this is heartless obstruction for no good reason.

“On Remembrance Day our veterans cannot wear the PJM Medal due to a petty decision by civil servants, whereas our ANZAC cousins, with whom they may well be marching, have that right.

“Do these civil servants not realise the hurt, anger and unnecessary distress this insult causes to those veterans who served their country so bravely?

“I call on the Government to allow these veterans to wear their PJM medals, with pride,” he said.


NOTE:

During the Konfrontasi in Borneo, British casualties were put at 75 killed and 79 wounded.

During the period of both campaigns (1957 - 1966) a total of 1,174 decorations for bravery were made, with one Gurkha soldier being awarded the Victoria Cross.

Visit Mike's web-site at: www.ukipmep.com

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That is excellent news Paul


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I am sure you have thanked Mike Natrass MEP (UKIP) for his wonderful support of our claim for justice for Malaysia/Borneo veterans. Well done.

Andy.

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