The fighting spirit shown by the late Major (rtd) Michael Riman Bugat in safeguarding the country deserves to be remembered by the young generation of Malaysia.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said fighters like Michael Riman, 71, had brought prosperity and peace to the country for the present generation to enjoy.
“We need to remember their struggle and try our best to emulate what they have done to see Malaysia become a peaceful and prosperous country,” he said after paying his last respects to the national hero who died on Monday.
Michael Riman, who was the recipient of the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) medal, breathed his last at about 9.00 am after suffering from kidney disease for several years.
The fellow platoon member of Datuk Kanang Langkau, another PGB medal recipient, was involved in several fierce battles with Communist terrorists in the 1970s while serving in the Malaysian Armed Forces.
In a battle in Gopeng, Perak on June 1, 1979, Michael Riman was shot in the right hand, which rendered him permanently disabled.
His remains will be laid to rest at the Sarawak Heroes’ Memorial here tomorrow.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency