As we commemorate Sarawak Day, we take a moment to pay tribute to the brave individuals or unsung heroes who confronted the communist insurgency during the 1960s in the state.
Many of these brave people selflessly and fearlessly devoted their lives to safeguarding the security and wellbeing of Sarawak back then.
In the Bangkong area, near Pantu, which was the second Division of Sarawak at that time, an unsung hero, Paul Dimbut Mujan played a crucial role in a joint operation aimed at stopping the communist threat on November 18, 1968.
Paul was a police inspector at that time, and his participation in the team led to the successful attack of three armed communists, resulting in the confiscation of several weapons and documents.
Recognising his dedication to the operation, Paul received a Letter of Commissioners Commendation from Sarawak’s Royal Malaysia Police Commissioner J.G. Ritchie.
The letter, dated December 15, 1968, expressed appreciation for his contribution towards the operation’s success.
Part of the letter reads, “For your contribution towards the success of this operation, I have great pleasure in awarding you this letter of commendation in recognition of your efficiency and devotion to duty”.
Born in 1936, Paul was a Bidayuh residing in Kampung Tebakang Dayak, located in Serian. He was married and blessed with 10 children.
He served as a policeman for 36 years, starting from 1954, and retired on December 31, 1990.
Unfortunately, Paul passed away earlier this year at the age of 87 on June 17.
Recently, Jordan Iskandar Shamshudin, 37, one of Paul’s grandsons, shared in an interview the stories of his grandfather and how much he continues to be a source of inspiration.
In addition to his participation in the operation during the communist insurgency in Sarawak, Jordan said that his grandfather was also actively involved in various police operations, including those conducted in the Peninsula to fight the communists there.
“Furthermore, my grandfather was also involved in the operation during the Brunei Rebellion, which took place from December 8 to 17, 1962, as well as the Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation in September 1963,” he said.
In the eyes of Jordan, his grandfather was an individual whom he greatly admired and looked up to.
He further described Paul as a Bidayuh warrior, and a very hardworking person who never complained about his responsibilities or challenges.
“I too was inspired by him and wanted to be a policeman just like him. I even attempted to join the police force at one point, but due to certain circumstances, I couldn’t pursue that ambition of mine any further. However, I believe that God has a better plan for me.
“Although I couldn’t fulfil my dream of becoming a policeman, I feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to have been a part of my grandfather’s life and to be able to share his courageous stories from the time he fought against the communists,” said Jordan, who is a businessman.
Jordan then said his grandfather had been recognised and honoured by the Sarawak government and other entities through various medals and awards conferred upon him for his exceptional service and significant contributions to the state.
Among others, Jordan said his grandfather received the Pingat Perkhidmatan Terpuji (P.P.T) from the former Head of State Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Muhammad Noor on July 7, 1987.
“In addition, my grandfather was also a recipient of several other medals and awards namely, Pingat Peringatan Malaysia; Pingat Elizabeth Del Gratia Regina F.D Borneo; Pingat Elizabeth Del Gratia Regina F.D Brunei; Pingat Perkhidmatan Setia P.P.S; and Transfusion Service Medal,” he said.
On a mission to fulfil a promise to Paul
Jordan felt that Paul deserves more recognition, particularly receiving the National Hero Service Medal or Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara (PJPN).
“Before his passing, I told my grandfather that I wanted to see him receive this prestigious medal.
“I even made him a promise that I will do whatever I can to make sure he gets it. Unfortunately, he passed before this could be achieved.
“Nonetheless, I still hope my mission to obtain the medal for my grandfather will ultimately succeed. This will be an honour for me and my family,” he said.
Jordan said his intention in pursuing the medal for his grandfather is not driven by a desire for family prestige or glamour.
“Instead, my primary aim is to ensure that Paul’s significant contributions to both the state and the country are duly recognised and a symbol of appreciation,” he said.
Instilling the spirit of patriotism
Being the closest grandson to his grandfather, Jordan said he had the privilege of hearing firsthand stories from Paul about his experiences as a policeman and his encounters with the communist insurgents.
“Not many people heard the stories of my grandfather, and I hope that by sharing them, it will not only bring pride to the Bidayuh community but also to Sarawakians, including those serving in the police force,” he said.
From his grandfather’s stories, one particular statement always resonated with Jordan — that everything Paul did was driven by his deep love for his country.
“As such, I hope to pass on my grandfather’s stories to the younger generation so that it can develop a strong sense of love and patriotism for their own country or state within them,” he said.
