1 week Ago By Jenifer Laeng
Baru BianMIRI (April 13): With identity cards finally in hand, five surviving former Border Scouts from Lawas can now officially call themselves Malaysian citizens—a recognition that comes over 60 years after their service during the Indonesian Confrontation in 1963.While having the MyKad may signal the end of one struggle, the question is—what’s next?Their formal recognition as Malaysian citizens not only restores their legal identity, but indirectly acknowledges their contributions during one of the most tumultuous periods in Malaysia’s early history.Yet, despite this long-overdue justice, the former Scouts—now well into their twilight years—have never received pensions or official recognition for their bravery during the communist insurgency prior to Malaysia’s formation in 1963.
Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian, when informed of the news, welcomed the development and described it as a long-awaited outcome for those stuck in limbo for decades.“I am happy to hear this (issuance of MyKads to last two former Border Scouts Basar Arun and Joseph Pengiran) too,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted.Baru, who previously served as Works Minister in 2018 under the Pakatan Harapan government, had also raised the plight of the former Border Scouts during his tenure in the federal government.
In an interview with The Borneo Post in 2020, Baru stated he had submitted an appeal to then-Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin on behalf of the seven former Border Scouts.The letter of appeal detailed the grounds on which they should be granted citizenship.He said the government, by its actions and inaction in such cases—where it takes an excessively long time to approve and process citizenship applications—is depriving individuals, including these former Border Scouts, of their fundamental rights to citizenship, education, and healthcare, all of which are guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.
“I wish to record my gratitude and appreciation to the government for responding to our appeal. I do hope that now they have been granted citizenship, they will also be awarded all benefits they are entitled to as former Border Scouts,” he said.Baru emphasised recognition must not stop at legal status alone, but should also extend to their welfare and social security.
He believes that these former Border Scouts were recruited under the police force and as such, should be accorded the same benefits as other police personnel.He also urged both federal and state governments to act swiftly in granting them the recognition they deserve, especially considering their advanced age.“These are elderly men, and time is not on their side.
Let us not delay this any further. If the government can step forward now with sincerity and resolve, we can give these men and their families a sense of closure, belonging, and honour that has been denied for far too long,” he said.The five surviving former border scouts are Baranabas @ Branabas Palong, 91; Basar Arun, 85; Tabed Raru, 81; Sia Lupang @ Sia Lopong, 79; and Joseph Pengiran, 79.
Basar Arun and Joseph were the last to receive their MyKad on 14 March and 7 April this year, respectively, while Sia received his in 2021. Baranabas, on the other hand, held his MyKad for the first time in 2022, while Tabed received his in 2023.Two others, Basar Paru and Kademus Liling, passed away with only permanent resident status.
Basar Paru died on 25 August 2022 at the age of 92, while Kademus, aged 79, succumbed to cancer in June last year.The post With former Border Scouts out of citizenship limbo, what’s next? appeared first on Borneo Post Online..
