Solidarity Forged, Remembered, Enduring

15 August 2025

SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Day Memorial stands as a living bridge fostering understanding, friendship, and trust between Sabah, Australia, and the United Kingdom, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

“As Chief Minister of Sabah, I assure you that this legacy will be preserved, honoured, and passed down to future generations,” he said during the Sandakan Day Memorial held today at the Sandakan Memorial Park.

Sandakan Member of Parliament, Vivian Wong, delivered the Chief Minister's speech during the ceremony.

He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Yet, for many families, especially those who have travelled here from Australia, the United Kingdom, and beyond, the memories of loved ones lost in Sandakan remain vivid and deeply personal.

“Our gathering this morning goes beyond remembrance. It is a tribute with purpose. Sandakan is not merely a site of tragedy, it is a place where the human spirit shone amidst immense cruelty.

“It is a place where bonds were forged through adversity, where the noble actions of local Sabahans stood alongside the struggles of Allied soldiers. Here and now, we reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, and remembrance,” he said.

The Chief Minister reflected on the Sandakan Death Marches and the horrors of the prisoner-of-war camps, which have been etched into history, not only for their atrocities, but also for the moments of shared humanity: the quiet acts of kindness, the persistence of hope, and the unyielding belief in freedom.

“To the families of the fallen, your presence here means everything. Your loved ones, whether Allied soldiers or Sabahans who risked everything to save them, are not forgotten. We honour their courage, their sacrifice, and their profound humanity. In Sabah, you will always find a sanctuary to remember them. Sandakan is sacred ground for you, too.

“Let us also recognise the unsung heroes among us, the local Sabahans whose families suffered loss and violence as well. Many gave their lives to shelter or assist Allied soldiers. Their bravery lives on in the stories passed down through generations and forms an inseparable part of our shared history,” he said.

The Chief Minister called on everyone to pause and reflect on the true cost of conflict and the priceless value of peace.

Also in attendance were the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma; New Zealand High Commissioner, Michael Wehi Mailetonga Walsh; senior representatives from the Australian High Commission and the United States Embassy; as well as officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, and local authorities.