FAREWELL, BRAVE ONE: The nation mourns the death of a hero. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi, Tan Song Wei and Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The atmosphere was solemn at the civic centre where the nation yesterday bid farewell to Temenggong Datuk Kanang Langkau, the country’s most decorated war hero.
Paying their last respects to the last surviving recipient of the country’s highest gallantry medal, Sri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), were the Head of State Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi, ministers, assistant ministers, state dignitaries, army personnel, fellow Rangers and patriots.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang was among the first to arrive, leading some members of the state cabinet and state Barisan Nasional elected representatives.
Among those present at the wake which was open to the public from 10am to 5pm is Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism (MDTCC) Deputy Minister Datuk Rohani Karim.
The chief minister arrived at 11am followed by Salahuddin and wife at 11.20am.
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REST IN PEACE: Salahuddin and Norkiah pay their final respects to Kanang. Also seen is Jabu (right).
Also seen paying their last respects were state Police Commissioner Dato Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani and the armed forces 1 Division Infantry commander Maj-Gen Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar who oversaw the whole event.
Kanang’s body was transferred to the civic centre for public viewing from the Bukavu Hall at Penrissen Army Camp at 8.30am. He was dressed in full military uniform, presented in an open casket surrounded by flowers and wreaths.
Meanwhile, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief Tan Kai in a press release said: “Despite being the nation’s most decorated war veteran as well as Temenggong of the Iban community in Sri Aman division, he was an unbelievably humble and friendly person who kept a low profile.
“No doubt he contributed immensely to Malaysia’s nation-building. I am truly saddened by his unexpected passing. Our nation has indeed lost a great person.”
He said he came to pay his last respects to him as a personal friend as they both lived in the same neighbourhood of Sungai Apong.
Kanang will be accorded a state funeral with full military honours. The funeral service will be held at St Thomas Cathedral at 1pm before proceeding for the 3pm burial ceremony at the Heroes’ Grave at Jalan Budaya.
EMPATHY: Taib greets Kanang’s family.
SAD: Many could not hold back their tears when paying their final respects.
HONOUR: Acryl leading senior police officers in a salute to honour Kanang’s contribution to uphold the safety and security of the nation.
TOUCHED: Family, friends and members of the public made their way to the civic centre to pay Kanang their last respects.
FAREWELL, MATE: Fellow war veterans give their last respects to the country’s most decorated war hero.
RESPECT: An army personnel putting a final touch to Kanang’s uniform before he is presented to the public.
PLENTY OF FLOWERS: Solemn yet beautiful ceremony.
Hundreds turn up for farewell to a hero
by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on January 6, 2013, Sunday
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