Sabah Joins Tribute to Anzac Day

Anzac Day is held annually on 25 April and it is a National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand broadly commemorating Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, military conflicts, and peacekeeping missions and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.”

Anzac Day marks actually the anniversary of the military landing by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915, during World War I.

The acronym term was coined as a convenient telegraphic code name, and, today, it eventually represents the men and women who fought or assisted in conflicts and military operations. Sabah also observes Anzac Day to commemorate prisoners of war (POWs) and Malaysians who fought courageously against the enemies. The ANZAC activities include Dawn Services, marches, and remembrance ceremonies.

ANZAC’s phrase line "Lest We Forget" incorporates the spirit of comradeship, mateship, courage, dedication and sacrifice to those who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that Anzac Day in Sabah is a tribute not only to the prisoners of war (POWs) who suffered and perished during the World War but also to the others, including local Sabahans.

"Today, as we reflect on the shared histories of Australia, Britain, and Malaysia, we recognise that the bonds between our peoples were forged not only through conflict, but also through compassion,” Hajiji said on 25 April 2026 at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Sandakan Memorial Park, Sandakan. "The legacy of those who suffered in Sandakan remains inseparable from the legacy of those who helped them survive, even if only for a little longer.”

Hajiji said that the camps in Sandakan and Ranau became a symbol of suffering brought about by atrocities - cruelty, starvation, forced labour and the infamous death marches, which took the lives of nearly all who were held captive. "Yet even in the darkest moments, humanity endured,” Hajiji said. “Villagers and their families risked their lives to help the prisoners. We remember with pride the bravery and the courage of local people who took risks to offer shelter and care. Today, we honour the services and sacrifices of the men and women who were prisoners of war here. The humanity shown to them by the local people was a ray of light in a terrible period. Their memory endures as a lasting bond between our peoples.”

Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Member of Parliament for Sandakan, delivered Hajiji’s speech.