Dr Sim Says WWII Liberation Monument a Symbol of Sacrifice and Peace

suppadmin | September 12, 2025

The World War II Sarawak Liberation from Japanese Occupation monument now stands at Pending Point, marking the site where Japanese troops officially surrendered to Brigadier-General Thomas Eastick of the Australian Army on September 11, 1945.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the monument, built to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Sarawak’s liberation, honours the contributions of allied forces from Australia, Britain, New Zealand and Canada, as well as local fighters and the people of Sarawak who endured more than three years of occupation.

“This monument is a promise that their sacrifices will not be forgotten. It is also a reminder that the peace and freedom we enjoy today must be preserved and passed on to future generations,” Dr Sim said at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday.

He also thanked the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) for their role in realising the project, which not only preserves history but also serves as a heritage education centre and tourist attraction.

Dr Sim stressed that the monument stands as a reminder that peace, freedom and security require courage, wisdom and unity to uphold.

Among those present were MTCP Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, MTCP Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Tanjong Datu Assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, and other dignitaries.