LaurieB wrote:
The ceremony at the Malaysian High Commission in Landon has again featured in the Malaysian press today. The Sunday Star has this article:
Laurie, it was a good article to which I have just responded, as follows.
Choi Tuck Wo
Editor, European Union Bureau.
London (e-mail:
twchoi@thestar.com.my)
Dear Sir,
Reference:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/7/23/focus/14918802&sec=focus
I have just read your account of your being present at the presentation of the PJM to British Veterans of the Emergency and Malaysian Confrontation.
An excellent account was given by you in your article. It certainly was a moving experience by the Veterans who were their to receive their Pingat Jasa Malaysia (The Malaysian Service Medal). Some, according to you, being moved to tears.
It was however deficient in one very important respect.
You neglected to inform your Malaysian readers of The Star, that these Veterans that Malaysia honoured with the PJM, are dishonoured by the UK Government, who have declared that the PJM is but a mere trinket, and not fit to be worn by those Veterans.
How so?
HMG have declared that these veterans do not have the permission of Her Majesty, The Queen, to wear the PJM.
It would be nice to be able to read another article written by you, informing the peoples of Malaysia who are of the opinion that Her Majesties Government has allowed this honourable medal to be worn by honourable Veterans of the two conflicts.
Some of the veterans are not able to receive their PJM, they died defending your country, during these conflicts.
It is worth quoting back to you part of your article and what the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia said:
"One can almost feel their deep sense of pride and satisfaction for having played a crucial role in keeping Malaysia safe from the communists."
and
"Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Raza summed up his admiration for the veterans’ dedication and professionalism with one of Shakespeare's quotes that “one man in his time plays many parts”.
“All of you played a part in our march towards nationhood – young, innocent, I could imagine virgins as well,” he said to laughter from the floor."
You are in a position to defend their honour. Write the article. The peoples of Malaysia and those dead veterans deserve that second article.
Your faithfully
John Feltham
Veteran - Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Brunei.
PO Box 59
WULGURU 4811
Australia
Email:
jsf@iinet.net.au
_________________
Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka,
from the HD Committee and its decision.