KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Australia today marked the 111th anniversary of ANZAC Day in Malaysia, with Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke leading a dawn service at Tugu Negara.
The commemoration, held together with the New Zealand High Commission in Malaysia, is among services conducted nationwide, including in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu.
This year, services in East Malaysia were also observed following the recent fires in Sandakan.
In a statement, the Australian High Commission in Malaysia extended its sympathies to those affected and expressed appreciation to first responders assisting impacted communities.
Heinecke said it was a privilege to lead the dawn service alongside representatives from Malaysia, the diplomatic corps and the Australian community.
“It is a powerful reminder of the lessons of past conflicts, and the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation in safeguarding peace.
“I am especially mindful that this year’s Sandakan commemorations come as communities recover from a tragic fire. I extend my condolences to the people of Sabah and recognise the bravery of the first responders, as we honour the service and sacrifice of people of all stripes who work to keep communities safe,” she said in a statement.
ANZAC Day services are traditionally held at dawn on April 25 worldwide, marking the 1915 landings of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in Gallipoli, Türkiye, during World War I, and honouring those who have served and sacrificed.
In Malaysia, the occasion also reflects the longstanding defence partnership between Australia and Malaysia, which predates the modern state of Malaysia.
In 1945, Australian Special Forces landed in Bario, Sarawak, as part of Operation SEMUT to help build the local community’s resilience at the end of World War II. This was followed by the June 1945 landing of Australian forces in Labuan to support resistance efforts in the final days of the war.
In August the same year, more than 1,700 Australian service personnel died in the Sandakan Death Marches, a sacrifice commemorated annually on Aug 15.
This year also marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Kota Bharu, the first major battle of the Pacific War, as well as 60 years since the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, during which about 3,500 Australians served.
These historical milestones underpin today’s defence and security cooperation under the Australia-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Since the end of World War II, more than 70,000 Australian Defence Force personnel have served or trained in Malaysia, including under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, while 5,000 Malaysians have undertaken similar engagements in Australia.
Military officers from both countries are also embedded within each other’s forces, reflecting mutual trust and close operational cooperation that continue to support regional security.
-- BERNAMA
