The
holding of STARDEX 2002 further strengthens the existing strong
bonds Australia has with her northern neighbours including Malaysia.
For decades the bonds between the two countries have been of tensile
strength.
The esteem in which Malaysia holds Australia is never more evident
than at Kuala Lumpur’s principal war memorial.
Set on a hillock and surrounded by pools and fountains the memorial
depicts four soldiers standing over the bodies of their enemies.
The soldiers have Caucasian features, wear the uniform typical
of the Australian Army during the Malay conflict and carry weapons
of the earlier era.
Never-the-less the lead soldier grips a staff flying the Malaysian
flag while the inscription at the base of the memorial reads “Dedicated
to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom.
May the blessing of Allah be upon them.”
In a covered promenade which backdrops the memorial and its fountains
are displayed the crests of multi-national defence elements such
as squadrons, brigades and divisions.
The crest of the Royal Australian Navy is also there.
