Malaya and Borneo veterans remembered

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan yesterday encouraged Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served during the post-Second World War conflicts in Malaya and on Borneo.

“Today is Malaya and Borneo Veterans’ Day when Australians honour our military personnel who served in the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), and the Indonesian Confrontation (or Konfrontasi, 1962–1966),” Mr Tehan said.

“The Malayan Emergency was declared when the Malayan Communist Party launched an insurgency against British colonial rule. Australia’s military involvement commenced in 1950 and continued until the Emergency was declared over, however Australian forces continued to conduct anti-insurgency operations in Malaya until 1963.

“During our 13 years in Malaya, personnel from the Australian navy, army and air force played a key role in bringing the long-running insurgency to an end.

“In 1964, Australia became involved in the Indonesian Confrontation, a small undeclared war fought between Indonesia and the newly federated state of Malaysia.

“Today we should reflect on the 39 Australian servicemen who died and 27 who were wounded over the 13 years of the Malaya campaign, and the 21 Australians who died and eight who were wounded during the Indonesian Confrontation.”