80th Anzac Day at refurbished Memorial Pavilion
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025
By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Vivian (left) and Danielle officiate the memorial pavilion. SANDAKAN: This year's 80th Anzac Day (April 25) in honour of the some 2,600 Allied soldiers who died in the infamous forced Death March from here to Ranau by their Japanese captors during the closing stage of World War Two was held at a 'new' Memorial Park Interpretive Pavillion. The original pavilion was built in 1999, predominantly of hardwood. But due to the harsh tropical climate, it was demolished in 2023 as it had reached the end of its usable life and rebuilt in 2024 from termite and weather-resistant materials. The original dedication plaques were retained. To preserve the heritage of the original pavilion, some features were incorporated into the refurbished pavilion, including the timber cladding used on the wall, the wooden seats (inside and outside the pavilion), decorative gates to the left of the main entrance and stained-glass window. Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong thanked the Australian Government for giving the funds to renovate the pavilion. The first group of Prisoners of War arrived at Sandakan in July 1942, and more came in April 1943. They were those who surrendered in Malaya and Singapore. 'Some locals risked their life to help the PoWs by smuggling food, medicines and messages into the prison camp.' Only six Prisoners of War survived the ordeal. Others who escaped died in the jungle or in shelters the local people provided them. Many starved to death, died from sickness or disease or were murdered while marching through the jungle. 'Each man who survived owed his life to the brave local people who sheltered and cared for them until they could be rescued,' he said. The survivors provided a record of the atrocities committed against the PoWs and many testified against their tormenters in war crimes trials later. Meanwhile, Alban Joseph Lagan, son of Lagan Arnesto, said his father was among those who helped the POWs and paid for it with his life. He was executed with several others at Batu Lintang camp in Sarawak, where he was staken. He said he was only 7 then and saw the PoWs being marched to their deaths in front of their house in St Mary and would not forget the memory. 'Sabah and Sandakan in particular, hold a special place in this shared history, and we remain committed to preserving that legacy through respect, education, and continued bilateral engagement,' said Frankie Poon. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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