JPA Honours Retirees Who Helped Build, Defend Nation Via 'Ziarah Kasih Merdeka’ Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The services and sacrifices of previous generations who contributed to the formation, peace and sovereignty of the country continue to be appreciated through the Public Service Department's (JPA) Santuni Pesara (Ziarah Kasih Merdeka) Programme.

Held in conjunction with the National Month celebration, the programme saw Public Service director-general Tan Sri Dr Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz visit five government retirees around the Klang Valley today as a gesture of care and appreciation for their service to the nation.

In a statement today, JPA said two of the five retirees began their service before the country gained freedom, making them part of the generation that witnessed the nation’s journey towards independence.

Samy @ Thambirajah Ponnusamy, 94, who began serving with Keretapi Tanah Melayu in 1951, was involved, among others, in managing train movements and visitors travelling to the Merdeka Stadium during the historic Independence Day celebrations.

Another retiree, Tan Sri Wan Mahmood Pawan Teh, 96, began his career as an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer in 1953 before playing a role in psychological warfare efforts against the communist threat through the Malaysian Information Services Department.

The JPA also visited former members of the security forces who were willing to risk their lives to defend the country’s peace after independence.

Former Corporal of the 17th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, Ismail Rejab, 76, was involved in a communist terrorist ambush in Kedah in 1975 that claimed the lives of seven security personnel and injured eight others, while he suffered injuries to his waist.

Former Major Raja Musa Raja Abdul Rahman, 74, lost the sight in his right eye and his right leg after being struck by a booby trap during Ops Gerakan in Bentong, Pahang, in 1978.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan also visited former deputy police commissioner Datuk Kamaruddin Hamzah, 82, who had led a security convoy during battles against communist forces in Betong and during the 1968 Ban Na Lee incident (which refers to fierce historical ambushes and battles in the Kampong Ban Na Lee rubber plantation area near Betong in southern Thailand during the communist insurgency).

According to JPA, the stories of the five retirees illustrate that the independence enjoyed today was not the result of a single moment in history, but was built and defended through the service, courage and sacrifices of earlier generations across various fields.

"Through the Santuni Pesara Programme, JPA continues to express its appreciation to retired civil servants who have contributed to the nation, while also engaging with them directly to ensure their welfare and well-being continue to receive attention,” it said.

JPA said the stories and sacrifices of the retirees should continue to be remembered as part of the nation’s legacy and serve as a reminder to today’s generation that the independence, peace and progress they enjoy did not come without sacrifice.

-- BERNAMA