Local leaders bring early Christmas cheer to Army veteran in Melaka

MELAKA: An army veteran at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir here got an early Christmas visit from local leaders Thursday (Dec 19) night.

Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong organised the visit to extend festive wishes to 86-year-old Luke Lowe @ Norman Lowe.

Khoo told the media that Lowe had devoted his life to defending the country during the communist insurgency.

“I came here with other local leaders to honour the profound impact of one of our veterans in combating the communists then and ensuring the nation’s safety.

“It’s also for us to express our gratitude to veterans for their tireless commitment to the country.

“To all our veterans, we are eternally grateful for your service,” he said.

Lowe served in the military for more than two decades from 1958.

According to Khoo, the veteran received a salary of RM50 when he began his service at age 20.

“He served in several states and was even sent on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo in the 1960s,” he said.

Lowe was awarded the Bintang Cemerlang Melaka (BCM) in conjunction with Yang-di Pertua Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam’s birthday in August.

“He also received recognition from the Armed Forces recently.

“We must not forget the service and sacrifice of our military veterans as they enabled all of us to enjoy the freedom we hold dear today,” Khoo added.