Brig Gen Stephen Mundaw - the first Iban General.

Mark this date: 1st November 2010. This was the day an Iban Officer was promoted to a General. He was the first Iban to become a General in the Malaysian Army since Sarawak became independent in Malaysia on 16 September 1963. If you want to look further; he was the first Iban General in the long history of the Malaysian Rangers when its predecessor the Sarawak Rangers was formed by Rajah Charles Brooke in 1962. With this promotion, inadvertently, "an Iban allocation" might have been created. When Stephen leave, another will have to take his place. Are there any Iban officers around who are capable of taking over his place? I don't see one around. There are currently two serving officers but they are muslim converts and that will not fit in the "Iban Allocation". This point out the glaring fact that there are very few Ibans Officers in the Malaysian Army today. The Ibans community must do something to ensure this "Iban Allocation" is always taken up by a full-fledge Iban General. The grooming circle must start to ensure there is always a candidate at hand. Congratulation and well done Brig Gen Stephen Mundaw. You have done the Ibans proud. Do what you must to ensure you have a candidate to take over your hot seat when you leave in a not- too-distant future. Meanwhile we wish you the best in your undertakings.
 

The Chief of the Army and Stephen's better half pinning the rank insignias on Stephen Mundaw.

A Datukship for Gen Stephen

It was expected. However, the speed it came was unexpected. 

General Datuk Stephen Mundaw was awarded a Datukship by Sarawak in conjunction with the 

Governor's birthday on 24 September 2011. It was considered a feat, considering that getting awards from Sarawak is never easy.

Congratulation Datuk. We are proud of you.

 

Update No. 2 for National Heroes Mousoleum Project.

As a follow up of the first meeting on 23 October 2010, a special committee comprising of six SPs and PGBs from the Army and the Police Force sat again on 30 October 2010 to decide and finalise on what actions our Association need to take regards the National Heroes Mousoleum and registration of the SP and PGB Association of Malaysia.

We decided on the following actions:

1. Register the Association first.

2. Only after the registration will we write to the National Heroes Mousoleum main committee in the Prime Minister's Department on our requirement.

I chaired the meeting / discussion

Update No. 1 for National Heroes Mousoleum Project

I was chairing the meeting. Col Roslan PGB, Dato' Abdul Kadir PGB, Lt Kol Jalil Makmor PGB, PW1 Ahmad Adnan PGB. Dato' Salehuddin PGB, Kapt Hamid SP, PW2 Ielias PGB at the far end. Maj Sameon PGB giving out his opinion.

As a follow up to my pledge to bring the matter up to the attention of the highest Authority, I called for a meeting with as many SP and PGB holders around KL and Johor as possible. I do not want to be seen shouldering the problem alone. As an Association, we must collectively solve any problem that affect all of us.

The first meeting was held on 23 October 2010 at 10.00 a.m at the Ex-Services Association of Wilayah Persekutuan, Jalan Bellamy, Sg Besi, KL. A decision was made in the meeting to form a working committee to discuss the matter in depth, come up with a solution, put it in writing and to be handed over to the highest Authority - the PM or the Defence Minister.

I was made aware that a similar project is already on the drawing board, under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department.

Following are the details:

1. Location: Near to the National Monument, behind the Administative and Diplomatic Service Association Club and secretariat building along Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin.

2. Size of Area: 6 hectar site.

3. Estimated Cost: RM18 million.

4. Under the purview of the prime Minister's Department and City Hall.

5. City Hall is to design the landscape.

6. The government will decide who are to be buried there.

7. To cater for 500 burial plots - 250 for muslims and another 250 for non-muslims. These two areas will be segregated by a buffer zone planted with big trees.

8. Implementation: Under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

If this plan has been firmly decided, then what remain for us to do is to ensure recipients of the SP and PGB are included among those who will be given a place in the mousoleum.

Personally I feel, the area is small. There will be little space for future expansion. Though the location is ideal, it would be better if it could be relocated to a bigger area to cater for expansion and building of facilities such as the "Hall of Fame" and mini museum where pictures and stories concerning the heroes could be displayed for the future generation to know and read. Another meeting to discuss the details is scheduled for 30 October 2010 at the Ex-Services Association (PBTM) Jalan Bellamy, KL.

Trip to Mulu National Park, Miri, Sarawak (World Heritage)

We left Penang for Kuching on 7 October 2010 and stayed the night in Kuching's Harbour View Hotel. The next day we left for Miri and stayed at Dynasty Hotel, where we were going to have our reunion dinner on 9 Oct 2010. The dinner was great - meeting old classmates and schoolmates we had not seen for 45 years. Most of us were more than 60 years old. Many younger schoolmates also attended. Next day on 10 October 2010, we went to visit our old school. The school, now a college, was almost beyond recognition. RM30 million was pumped in to rebuilt the school. The old hostels had gone. The old building that remain (for the time being) were the two blocks of classrooms, the Assembly Hall and the School Administrative office. We walked down to the cliff, through the old tennis and basketball court. We could see much from the top. We were told that the rocky beaches that had been our playing ground had became private property and had been fenced off by Shin Yang. What a tragedy!!! On 11 october 2010, we went to Mulu National Park - a twenty minutes flight by Mas Wing. Unfortunately we couldn't stay in Mulu National Park as at that time electricity supply was disrupted. We couldn't imagine staying in rooms with no airconditions and even fans! The pictures of my uncomfortable nights in my longhouse (no electricity) came to mind. So we moved to Mulu Resort, an international standard hotel. Rentals of rooms were however quite high - RM385.00 per night. For visitors who want to rough it out, there are plenty of cheap alternatives. On the whole, we enjoyed our two nights stay there. We regretted we couldn't see more of Mulu. Rest assured, we will return one day. On the way up Melinau river to see our first Penan village and caves. The river was quite shallow and the boatman had to be experienced to know which part of the river to negotiate, otherwise the boat could get stranded on the gravel riverbed. The OBMs used were the short shaft.

Some of the beautiful stalactites and stalacmites in King's Chamber.

Some have joined together. It is said that a centimeter took 100 years to form. Imagine how long it took to form these stalactites and stalacmites. Now one knew how old the cave is.

You have to be reasonably fit to climb up to the caves. This one has 200 steps.

On completion of the trip, we had a group photograph with our boatman and his assistant.

Tanjong Lobang School Reunion 101010

Finally the Reunion took place on 101010. We had planned it on 080808. Unfortunately it coincided with the Beijing Olympic and had to be postponed. I was in TLS from 1962 - 1967 (Form One to Lower Six). Midway through Lower six, I went for my Army Cadet training in the Royal Military College, Sg Besi, Kuala Lumpur for two years. In 1972 the school became Tanjong Lobang College and later renamed College Tuanku Dato Haji Bujang (the Governor of Sarawak). Although almost completely rebuilt and almost unrecognisable, it was many shades lower than what it was during my time. Indeed he number of students are very much reduced. We lamented over it and wish it could gain the same status of MCKK (Malay College Kuala Kangsar) where many leaders were made. During our time too, Tanjong Lobang School had made many of the Country's leaders.

Some of us posed infront on the School's Administrative Office.

I'm standing on extreme left.

We presented a token "scholarship" to two outstanding students.

The girl on the left is a Penan

With my two grandchildren outside my Form 5 classroom.

I was sitting on the same table and spot in my form 5 classroom.

PD Garrison Military Police 27 Feb 1953.

PD Garrison Military Police made up of the Malay Regiment personnels.

Standing back row L to R: LCpls: A. Bakar (4605), Ismail (3083), Mustaffa (4619), Ahmad (2092), A.W Musa clerks MRMP (3092), A. Latiff (6712), Musa (3429), Mois (3038), Amin (3675), Sabdin (3567)

Standing middle row L to R: LCpls: Ghazali (2858), Abu (6923), Hanafi (3002), Nasir (3390), Jamil (3827), M S Abdullah sgt (2976), U Hakim, Cpl (5440), Karim (2456), A Bakar (3547), Jamaluddin (5291), Jaafar (4982).

Sitting L to R: Major W. Carruthes (M.B.E) D.A.P.M HQ Malaya, Sgt B.J. Potts NCO i/c MRMP, BGD R.H. Maxwell (C.B.) (A.D.C.) P.M. War Office, Col. T.H. Grayson (O.B.E.) P.M. GHQ FARELF, Major A.B. Tomes. CAMP. GRN. Q/M. I was sent this old photograph by a relative of a British serviceman who had served in Malaya during the First Malayan Emergency 1948 - 1960. Would I be interested in the photograph? Of course I do. He will be sending me the original copy of the pic. Thank you Kevin. I will make an inquiry with the Royal Malay Regiment or the Armed Forces Museum to find out where it should finally be kept. Anyone out there who would like to take up my offer? Contact me at 012 2751171 or email rizalbob@gmail.com/

18 November 2010

I received the original photo from Kevin Randell of the UK today. I will have to find out to whom I shall be handing it to. The Royal Malay Regiment museum in Port Dickson or the Armed Forces Museum in KL? And as I had promised him, I will have to find the money to reimburse him the postage - 8 pound sterling in all ( that should be about RM60.00).

6 March 2011

During the tea reception after the Army Day parade on 6 March 2011, I oficially handed the photograph over to PTD, Gen Tan Sri Zulkifli. He was appreciative and will be writing personally to thank Mr Kevin Randall of the UK for donating the photograph.

Presenting the photograph to the Chief of the army in conjunction with the Army's 78th Anniversary on 6 March 2011.

A letter of appreciation from the Chief of the Army to me.

National Heroes Memorial

A paper cutting from Utusan Malaysia - courtesy of Mej (U) Nor Ibrahim's blog.

The picture above of Second Lieutenant Abdul Hamid's SP, neglected grave is taken from my squadmate, Major (U) Nor Ibrahim's blog. It shows the uncaring attitudes of Malaysians towards many things. If that can happen to one grave of the highest receipient of the nation's gallantry award, the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Berani (SP), a Victoria Cross equivalent, it can happen to all the country's heroes' graves. Similar to LCpl Ungkok ak Jugam's roadside grave in Alor setar (Sarawak Rangers) which triggered me to embark on a mission to bring back all the remains of the Iban Trackers and Sarawak Rangers killed during the First Malayan Emergency 1948 - 1960 and buried in various parts of Peninsula Malaysia including Singapore back to their homeland, Sarawak, the neglected grave above has set me thinking of making a move to suggest to the Government to set up a National Heroes Memorial where all (if possible) the nation's heroes could be relocated and buried in one place. A body can then be tasked to administer it. Major (U) Nor Ibrahim (Retired) has brought out the question of a National Heroes Memorial where all the nation's heroes - the SP, PGB, JPP, PTU, Mention-In-Despatches etc, could be buried in one place (of course with the NOK's consent). This is a big task but who, other than the SP & PGB Association, should be burdened to shoulder the heavy responsibility? I see no other people / association is more appropriate. So, I started to contact fellow SP & PGB holders. They seemed to agree with my proposal. We feel we should have a preliminary meeting in KL, involving those in KL and other members outside KL who can make it. So, the second step has been taken - following the first step my squadmate had boldly taken to highlight Second Lieutenant Abdul Hamid's neglected grave. Followings were events / happenings that had led to my decision to realise a National Heroes Memorial (taken from Major (U) Nor Ibrahim's blog):

Pusara Pahlawan Negara

Saya dan 'squad-mate', Lt Kol Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB (B), telah berkomunikasi bermula dengan coretan ini... 18 September 2010 8:47:47... Just a proposal. Would you like to take the challenge: Make a study of all the PGBs & SPs graves throughout Malaysia - especially onn their state and suggest to the government to set up a Heroes Memorial such as Arlington and move all the graves to this National Memorial. I can assist you if you want. Respons saya pada 19 September 2010 06:55... Thank you for your proposal. Much as I like to accept your challenge, family commitments are the main constraints. As I stated in my 'coretan', i strongly feel that all those killed in 'real' actions should be buried in the 'National Heroes Memorial'. What I mean by 'real' is that those killed by the enemies and booby traps. As far as I'm concerned, those aircrew killed in aircraft crashed (not due to enemy's fire) were/are not heroes. Each recipient of the 5 Gallantry Awards is guaranteed a plot there, ie, if NOK permits. Respons Rizal selanjutnya pada 19 September 2010 8:08:18... I feel someone must take up the cause earnestly - rebury all the PGB and SP dead in a National Heroes War Memorial, ideally located in either KL, Terendak or PD. This could be a tourist attraction as well with its mini museum located within. I do not know whether I have the strength and stamina to see and carry it out. It will take a couple of years of instant "fight". Let's play it by the ear and circumstances. Definitely we must have a team. No one man can do it. Saya ambil petikan e-mel Mejar Ishak... '...beberapa minggu yg lalui saya ada termenonton satu LIVE oleh BBC worldnews.... Kerajaan Perancis telah menjumpai sebuah kubor besar di sebuah daerah. Apabila di siasat didapati kubor itu tertanam beratus ratus tentera British, australia, NZ dan France. Mereka terkorban dan ditanam disitu semasa perang Dunia Pertama. (WW1) Kerajaan kelima lima negara ini bersetuju membuat sebuah Pusara Pahlawan di daerah tersebut. Pada hari itu semasa saya termenonton LIVE dapat menyaksikan pembukaan rasmi pusara tersebut. Ada satu ceremony, simbolik....mayat di gali dari kubor besar dibawa dengan kereta kuda dan masukan dalam kubor baru dan di saksikan oleh waris waris tentera yg terkorban. Kebanyakan nya cucu tentera tu.......they came thousand miles away from home. Mat Salleh bab respect depa punya pahlawan memang kagum.' Berita mutakhir...saya menerima berita ini melalui facebook...

Robert Rizal Abdullah20 September 2010 at 07:23 Subject: Heroes Memorial for PGB & SP (and whatever else) I am thinking of picking this up from where you have left. I have been contacting buddy PGB & SP holders on this. Since we have an association (PGB & SP holders), I feel we are the right people who should take up and chase the matter seriously. An initial meeting is in the offing in KL soon to thrash the matter.

Squad...Terima kasih kerana sedia memulakan projek ini, Syukur Alhamdulillah. Maka bermulalah 'Fasa ke2'...Over to you, Squad. Saya cadangkan persatuan anda turut juga menjejaki pusara penerima JPP, PTU & KPK. Untuk makluman anda, pusara wira-wira TUDM:

· PGB - 1 ~ Kapt (U) Choo Yeok Boo (Sg Petani)

· PTU - 3 ~ Lt Jen (U) Mohd Taib (Rantau Panjang), Lt (U) Chung Min Teck (Klian Intan) dan Sjn Leong Yee Heang (Penang)

· KPK - 2 ~ Kapt (U) Wan Munsiff (Kangar) dan Kapt (U) Mustapha Kamal (Taiping)

Bayangkan.... Lt M Abdul Hamid Bin Ismail, L/Kpl Abdullah Bin Majid (Sapper), L/Kpl Suandi Bin Saim (ART), Sjn Leong Leong Yee Heang (AQM), Lt (U) Wan Munsiff, Kapt Hardev Singh, Rjr Dumbon ak Chek, Kpl Mohamed Adzahar Bin Mokhtar(Peninjau) dan ramai lagi, dengan izin waris mereka, semuanya disemadikan di Pusara Pahlawan Negara!! Saya akan e-melkan coretan ini ke KEMENTAH tetapi...FAHAM-FAHAM SAJALAH!! Atau sesiapa yang 'buddy-buddy' dengan PM/TPM? Hanya dengan campur tangan mereka ditambah dengan 'laporan' Persatuan SP & PGB, 'probability' impian ini menjadi kenyataan boleh 99.9% termakbul, InsyaAllah. Pembaca...Pada 18 Sep, saya telah menghantar e-mel kepada Penerbit "Galeri Nasional"RTM 1 mencadangkan agar RTM membuat liputan terhadap isu ini. Beliau berjanji akan membacanya pada hari ini (Isnin, 20 Sep). Sama ada dipersetujui atau sebaliknya...Wallahualam!

Terkini...19 September Jam 3215. Terima panggilan telefon bagi memaklumkan bahawa pusara arwah Lt M Abdul Hamid SP telah dibersih setelah diarahkan oleh PTD. 6 RAMD juga turut mencadangkan kepada Jatawankuasa madrasah agar ditukar nama kepada Madrasah Abdul Hamid...Terpulanglah kepada mereka. Syukur Alhamdulillah. Saya difahamkan arahan ini diberi setelah PTD terbaca surat dalam 'Forum' Utusan Malaysia...bukannya terbaca e-mel yang saya hantar. Sekarang terbukti e-mel yang kurang sedap diketahui oleh Bos tidak akan membolos 'gate-keepers'. Mana mungkin Bos ada masa untuk membaca e-mel...maklumlah, mereka sibuk memikirkan keselamatan negara daripada melayan perkara remeh-temeh ini!! Pelajaran dari episod ini...Untuk mendapat respons, lebih baik menghubungi media massa. Kalau nak hantar e-mel, dapatkan alamat e-mel peribadi mereka.

Posted by Mej (B) Nor Ibrahim Bin Sulaiman at 5:39 AM 0 comments Links to this post