UK civilians free to wear medal

IN HIS articles, “War vets in battle of honour” (The Star, Aug 19) and “War veterans battle for right to wear medal” (Sunday Star, Aug 20), your London-based correspondent, Choi Tuck Wo, raised the issue of the right of British veterans to wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia.  

The British Government warmly welcomes the award. We believe that it is important to recognise the service given by British Commonwealth servicemen, policemen and civilians and the close and strong relationship between the UK and Malaysia. 

Many paid with their lives in order to preserve a free, democratic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation, which is the successful Malaysia we know today. 

In order to allow acceptance of the PJM, Queen Elizabeth II has made a special exception to the normal rules which do not allow British servicemen and women to accept foreign awards. 

The articles highlight the concerns of some British veterans the exception does not allow the wearing of the medal by British servicemen. 

This is due to the long standing custom in our armed services. However the wearing of medals by civilians (as the veterans now are) is not policed. 

No laws are broken if the medal is worn, and so it is for individuals to decide whether they wish to wear the medal. 

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Independence and “Visit Malaysia Year”. We hope a large number of veterans who served here from the Second World War, the Emergency and the Confrontation will return to celebrate the last 50 years and look forward to extending the partnership and friendship between our two countries into the future.  

PATRICK MOODY,
Deputy High Commissioner,
British High Commission,
Kuala Lumpur.