Kundasang Memorial Gardens
The Hon Alan Griffin MP has granted a sum of RM363,510 (approx $AUD128,000) to Kundasang Memorial Gardens, Malaysia, towards fencing to secure and preserve the site and the building of an audio visual theatre.
The Kundasang Memorial Gardens in Sabah, Malaysia were established in 1962. The Gardens were one of the first memorials to commemorate the 2,428 Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs.
The current memorial is made up of four gardens - the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool - to represent the different nationalities. Most services are held in the Contemplation Garden.
Over the years, the memorial had deteriorated. A restoration process was begun in late 2004 funded by the custodian and caretaker of the memorial, Sevee Charuruks, on behalf of Working Alliance Lead Sdn Bhd, which was appointed on behalf of the State Government of Sabah.
The funding from the Australian Government is for secure perimeter fencing and a gallery and audio-visual building to house photos and memorabilia from families and relatives of the POWs. These are currently displayed in an open structure which is exposed to tropical weather. The proposed building will also house a theatre to allow visitors to watch a documentary on the Sandakan-Ranau Death March.
The Office of Australian War Graves has been approached by the public on many occasions wishing to assist this memorial. The Australian Government has now provided a significant level of assistance, however, the opportunity now exists for the public to provide additional support to ensure the development of the facility meets a standard worthy of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in Sabah during WWII. The additional funds will assist Sevee Charuruks in providing an enhanced facility and all enquiries should be directed to seveecharuruks@hotmail.com, or call +6088-8888-331 or (mobile) 019-899-2041.