REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY 2022 SIXTY-THREE YEARS SINCE THE END OF THE MALAYAN EMERGENCY
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY 2022
SIXTY-THREE YEARS SINCE THE END OF
THE MALAYAN EMERGENCY
27 NOVEMBER 2022
His Excellency Dr Justin Lee
High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia
His Excellency Mr Wayne Robson
High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia
His Excellency Mr Dilli Raj Paudell
Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia
Commander Lui Poh Hin (TLDMVR)
Commanding Officer of KD Sri Pinang
Defence Advisors of the High Commissions of Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India
Major Doug Webster and Mrs Webster
Representatives of the Commander of Integrated Area Defence System Butterworth
Wing Commander Darren Prior
Commanding Officer 19 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Pete Van De Peer
Commanding Officer 2nd/30th Training Group, Royal Australian Army
Presidents of Veterans Associations in Malaysia,
Honoured Veterans & Serving Members of the Armed Forces,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning and welcome to the pearl of the orient.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Persatuan Veteran Keselamatan Pulau Pinang, or commonly known as The Penang Veterans, for organising the "Annual Remembrance Day Ceremony to Remember and Honor the Fallen Heroes" this year at the Cenotaph Esplanade.
It is a great honour and privilege to be given this opportunity to attend and address all of you distinguished guests here, especially the war veterans, armed forces personnel, and most importantly, the families of the Fallen Heroes.
I am aware that today we are 104 years since the end of World War 1, 77 years since the end of World War 2 and 63 years since the end of the Malayan Emergency. We recognise that these military conflicts brought us nothing but harm. The wars resulted in the unwarranted death or injury of human life as well as the deterioration of the economy, prosperity, and way of life.
Nonetheless, in the last 63 years, we have generally enjoyed peace and harmony. This peace we enjoy today should not be taken for granted, as it was only made possible by the sacrifices and concerted efforts of men and women who stood for freedom and sovereignty.
As such, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the veterans and heroes who died or were injured defending our freedom. I also respect and honour the families of the Fallen Heroes who endured hardships.
Not to mention, a special thanks to the members of The Armed Forces for upholding the hard-won peace for which the Fallen Heroes and veterans paid a high price.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Given the various changes and challenges that we are facing in today’s world, it is becoming increasingly necessary for us to promote the common values of humanity and foster peace and stability.
As such, as we move forward, I strongly believe that the responsibility has now been passed to each and every one of us to collectively maintain this peace. More than ever, we must unite to resist divisive elements, whether they be within the community, state, country, or even globally.
Penang, as a peace-loving state, will continue its tireless efforts to uphold and ensure that peace reigns supreme. I am pleased that an idea has been mooted to me to have a peace pole as an internationally recognised symbol of our hope and dreams of peace. I trust it will subtly depict the sacrifices of the veterans, through which peace was achieved.
Having said that, I feel honoured to stand in solidarity with all of you today to show gratitude and appreciation to all our Fallen Heroes, irrespective of who they are or where they came from. I take solemnly part in today's Remembrance Day 2022 Ceremony.
Thank You.