Remembering Sabah’s WWII heroes: Kinabalu Guerrillas honoured at Petagas Memorial Park

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 21): The air at Petagas Memorial Park along Jalan Putatan was heavy with solemnity this morning as Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam led the annual commemoration of the brave souls who gave their lives during World War II.

At 8.30am, Joachim, representing Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, received a crisp guard-of-honour salute from 11 uniformed contingents before leading the wreath-laying ceremony.

The haunting notes of the ‘last post’ echoed across the memorial, followed by a moment of silent reflection, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Kinabalu Guerrillas massacred by the Japanese army on Jan 21, 1944.

The ceremony concluded with the stirring ‘rouse’, a final salute, and a commemorative photo, leaving a profound sense of respect for Sabah’s national heroes.

The contingents, comprising security forces, government agencies and uniformed bodies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (ATM), took part in the ceremony, symbolising unity and appreciation for the nation’s history and sacrifices.

The annual ceremony is held as a mark of respect to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the national heroes who died defending the sovereignty and peace of the country.

The Petagas War Victims Commemoration Ceremony is observed every Jan 21 to honour the memory of the Kinabalu Guerrillas, who were massacred by the Japanese army on Jan 21, 1944.

The Petagas Memorial marks the site where members of the resistance group ― comprising 324 young men of various ethnic backgrounds in Sabah, led by Albert Kwok ― were executed and buried.

The Kinabalu Guerillas played a key role in resisting Japanese occupation during World War II in North Borneo.

Programmes such as this reflect the Sabah government’s commitment to preserving historical memory, honoring past sacrifices and instilling a spirit of patriotism among the people.