The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

001/05 Wednesday, 19 January 2005

MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT TO HONOUR AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

The Malaysian Government will award a commemorative medal to Australian servicemen and women who served in Malaysia from 1957 to 1966, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence De-Anne Kelly announced today.

The Malaysian Government has produced the award, titled Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM), in recognition of their "distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice, or loyalty" in contributing to the freedom of independence of Malaysia.

"Australia and Malaysia have enjoyed a long standing and valued relationship based on a common goal of supporting regional stability and security," Mrs Kelly said.

"This acknowledgement of the contribution our service men and women made to the security of Malaysia and the region deepens that relationship."

It is expected that as many as 12,000 current and former service men and women will be presented the PJM.

The Malaysian Government has set the following eligibility guidelines:
* The PJM will be awarded to Australian Defence personnel, who served in the prescribed areas from 31 August 1957 to 12 August 1966, and to 9 August 1965 for service in Singapore (the point at which it separated from the Federation of Malaysia).
* Service until 31 December 1966 will also qualify for those personnel who were posted to Malaysia for service prior to 12 August 1966, but failed to qualify for the medal before that date.
* Awards will also be made to those whose service was cut short as a result of death or injury as a result of service in these areas.
* Around 40 former members of the Australian Army who were recruited by the Government of the Federation of Malaya to serve as Lieutenants in the Malaysian Police Force are also eligible for the award.

The Department of Defence will receive applications, verify the service and eligibility and facilitate the approval to wear the award in accordance with guidelines for foreign awards.

"In all possible circumstances, senior representatives from the Malaysian Government will present medals personally to recipients, including next of kin in cases of posthumous awards," Mrs Kelly said.

For a copy of the application form, members should either call the toll-free medals' hotline 1800 111 321 or go to the Defence Honours and Awards website at: www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dpe_site/honours_awards/ . Full details of eligibility for the medal will also be found at this website address.

SEE PHOTOS OF THE MEDAL AND FURTHER INFORMATION IN THE NAVY/DEFENCE NEWS AREA ON THE WEBSITE OR CLICK HERE.