“Not enough books have been written to give us a proper Fijian narrative, a permanent record of the great events that make up the story of Fiji.”
These were the words of Prime Minister Rear Admiral Voreqe Bainimarama while launching the books “Malayan Campaign” and its i-Taukei version “Vala Mai Maleya” written by Manu Korovulavula.
The Prime Minister said it’s wonderful that the story has suddenly been brought to life in the pages of these books and he urges as many Fijians as possible to read them.
He added the story is seen through the eyes of a young soldier who was there and truly an eyewitness to history in the making.
Bainimarama said the Malayan campaign is an inspiration to Fijian soldiers.
62 years ago, a then 17-year-old Manu Korovulavula enlisted in the Army and left for Malaya few months later which is now modern Malaysia, hoping to end a bloody guerilla war.
He joined the Army with his dad and younger brother who both have passed away.
Korovulavula said he hopes the books will remind us of the sacrifices of our brave soldiers.
About 800 Fijian soldiers left our shores for the Malayan campaign between 1952 to 1956 led by Ratu Edward Cakobau the father of our current President but 25 never returned as they fell in the war.
The book is selling at $18 each.
Story by: Akuila Cama
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Malayan campaign book launched
