Three insurgency era persoanlities conferred Sarawak state awards

SIBU: The deeds and sacrifices of three personalities during the insurgency era were appreciated at the investiture in conjunction with the 82nd birthday anniversary of the Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday.

They were former Sarawak Police Deputy Commissioner, the late Datuk Seri Alli Kawi, Sgt (Rtd) Awang Raweng and the late Assistant Superintendent Mohamad Johnny Mustapha.

Alli, who played a role in the mass surrender of members of the Parti Komunis Kalimantan Utara (PKKU) in the Sri Aman and Kuching divisions, led by Bong Kee Chok on Oct 20, 1973 was conferred the posthumous award of Datuk Amar Bintang Kenyalang which carries the title Datuk Amar.

Awang Raweng, 93, who was a former Iban Scout with the 10th Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment and had previously been awarded the highest George Cross medal, was conferred the Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak award, which carries the title Dato.

Mohamad Johnny, who was the Commanding Officer of the 15th Battalion of the Police Field Force in Sibu when he was killed in a communist ambush in Sungai Stabau, Sibu on April 6, 1975, received the same medal posthumously.

Alli was represented by his wife, Datin Seri Fatimah Jamil while Mohamad Johnny was represented by his younger brother Datuk Morshidi Mustapha to receive the awards.

Awang Raweng, who was on a wheelchair, was accompanied by his son Panggau.

Also being conferred the Dato title posthumously was the mother of the Kapit Member of Parliament Datuk Alexander Linggi, the late Puan Sri Margaret Linggi.

Margaret, who was represented by her daughter Melia Linggi to receive the award, during her lifetime was active in preserving and promoting the Iban traditional weaving art known as ‘Ikat' through the Tun Jugah Foundation.

Meanwhile, heading the list of award recipients was the wife of Sarawak Chief Minister, Datin Patinggi Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang, who was conferred the Datuk Amar Bintang Kenyalang which carries the title Datuk Amar.

Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and a former Assistant Minister Datuk Sharifah Mordiah Tuanku Fauzi received the Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak (PNBS) which carries the title Dato Sri.

Betong Member of Parliament, Robert Lawson Chuat and Assistant Minister of Utility, Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi received the Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang award which carries the title Datuk.