WELCOMING REMARKS
BY HE AMBASSADOR MOHD AINI ATAN
FOR THE INFORMAL RECEPTION TO MARK REMEMBRANCE DAY
8 NOVEMBER 2019
7.00PM-8.30PM
Your Excellencies,
Colleagues of Commonwealth Countries,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
We are gathered here today to mark the Commonwealth Remembrance Day. Historically it is the day when the First World War has ended, at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
In Malaysia, Remembrance Day commemorates those who fought in World War I and II, the Emergency Era, the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation and the Thailand-Burma Death Railway between 1943 and 1945. It is a day we remember all the brave men and women that have fought during times of war and conflict. And may all the sad and painful memories will not resurface again during our time and beyond. As the saying goes, “Peace, like War, Must Be Waged” and “There’s No War That Will End All Wars”.
Through my brief research, Malaysia’s role in the First World War is less known, but the war outbreak in Europe circa the Boer War of 1899-1902 has stimulated the establishment of Malay States Volunteer Rifles. However, together with the British Commonwealth Army Units, Royal Malay Regiment fought the Japanese Intrusion and Occupation in Malaya during the Second World War from 8 December 1941 – 31 January 1942.
I must admit I am lucky to be born in Malaysia when peace has been restored and I believed most of us were born when the world has finally found ways to resolve conflicts. Imperfect as it may be, we have come a long way together to mediate conflicts and avoid resorting to weapons to resolve conflicts.
So today let us not forget those who have sacrificed their lives to put in place peace and safety in this world and to friends who have assisted us out of these conflicts and build our nations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To this, let’s all stand up and take one minute of silence to pray for those who perished.
[Bugle last post video]
[Silence]
Before I end, allow me to recite the Ode of Remembrance by Laurence Binyon;
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Thank you.