The Star of the Commander of Valour (Malay: Panglima Gagah Berani, PGB) is a medal given by the government of Malaysia. It can be conferred posthumously. The award was created on 29 July 1960, and it was formally gazetted by an act of parliament on 11 August 1960. It is the second highest award of gallantry in Malaysia — only after the Grand Knight of Valour (Malay: Darjah Kebesaran Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa).
The Panglima Gagah Berani award is given to anyone who has shown extraordinary bravery and also to members of the security forces for their bravery and courage outside the battlefield. This award was unveiled on 29 July 1960 and can be bestowed after a person dies.
The medal takes the form of a five pointed silver star. Two Kris lie under the Malaysian royal Crown on the star. The star is held by a ribbon with 45° stripes which slant right. The stripes alternative in red, white, blue and yellow.
Living recipients receive an allowance of RM 300 a month. The next of kin of posthumous recipients receive RM 15,000. A person may receive this award more than once.
Notable Recipients
Kanang anak Langkau
Warrant Officer I (retd) Temenggung Datuk Kanang anak Langkau, SP PGB PGBK PBS, (b. 1945; d. 2013; Service number: 901738), of Simanggang, Sarawak was a Malaysian soldier from the 8th Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment (now known as the 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment) who was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa whilst still alive and a Panglima Gagah Berani. He is the only person thus far to have received two gallantry awards in the Malaysian Armed forces.
He enlisted to the British Army as an Iban Tracker of Sarawak Rangers on 21 April 1962. He was absorbed into the Malaysian Rangers when after Malaysia was established. He left the service after 21 years of service as a Warrant Officer 1.
At the Korbu Forest Reserve (Fort Legap) on the 1st of June 1979 while on a reconnaissance mission, he came upon an enemy camp and attacked it against forces who numbered more than his own. Two ranger and five enemy casualties occurred as a result of the encounter. Enemy equipment was also captured. For his actions he was conferred the “Pingat Gagah Berani”.
David Fu Chee Ming
Captain (retd) David Fu Chee Ming, (b. 1945; Service number: 200772), the then Platoon Commander of 8th Platoon of C Company, 4th Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment. He was tasked and placed in the Tanah Hitam area of Perak to track and destroy the enemy in his sector of operation. At that time, he held the rank of Leftenan Muda (‘2nd Lieutenant’).
On 27 August 1970, his platoon of 24 men made contact with a group of about 70 enemy combatants. The enemy unknowingly had entered his sector. Thus started a heavy and intensive battle lasting 7 hours. Under his unwavering leadership, the men fought on, successfully killing 4 of the enemy. His patrol did not suffer any casualties.
For his outstanding gallantry and bravery in the finest traditions of the Ranger Corps he was bestowed with the PGB, by the King. He left after exemplary service as a Captain.
Ismail Salleh
Colonel (retd) Ismail Salleh, (Service number: 12171), the then Company Commander for the 6th Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment, was directed to carry out Operation Badak in the Pelam Estate area, in Klian Intan, Perak. At that time, he held the rank of Mejar (‘Major’). This operation was in response to intelligence that a group of enemy had infiltrated into the area via the Thai – Malaysian border.
At around 3 AM on 23 August 1970, Ismail along with Platoon 8 and Platoon 9, entered the area of operation intending to block enemy infiltrators. At around 4 PM on the same day, Platoon 8 made contact with the forward elements of the enemy. In a brief and fierce firefight, four of the enemy were killed. As a result, the enemy feinted withdrawal. After a few minutes, the enemy launched a counterattack against Platoon 8. At that same time, Ismail and Platoon 9 faced an attack from another enemy group. Artillery support was requested through the Battalion’s HQ at Klian Intan Camp. While waiting for the requested artillery support, Ismail and his group managed to surround the enemy. In this position, he and his group exchanged fire with the enemy, successfully killing another and wounding a few of the enemy. As the artillery fire bore down on the enemy he directed his men to continue firing on the surrounded enemy. The enemy was estimated to be some 70 strong and armed with automatic weapons and high explosives.
The battle lasted for seven hours. Major Ismail bin Salleh was bestowed with the PGB for his bravery in the face of the enemy by His Majesty the King. He retired from the service with the rank of a Colonel.
Baharin Abd Jalil
Major (retd) Baharin bin Abd Jalil, (Service number: 410560), the then one of a Platoon Commander in A Company of the 1st Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment. At that time, he held the rank of Leftenan Muda (‘2nd Lieutenant’). He was tasked to conduct blocks in several places around Kampung Goebilt, Sarawak in Operation Hentam. Blocks are positions where a unit acts as a stopping force, the anvil. The pursuing force, the hammer, would fire-fight the enemy into the anvil to be decimated efficiently. This “Hammer and Anvil” tactic is widely used in jungle warfare.
On 12 March 1971, two Communist Terrorists met the villagers of Kampung Goebilt to get food supplies. The villagers obliged by giving them some food, after which they quickly informed the members of the 1 RANGER. This resulted in one of the food collecting Terrorists being captured. After gathering further information, Baharin broke up his platoon into small groups. He teamed up with Ranger Lan Gima. These two managed to detect a group of enemies. The group of the enemy was estimated to be around 10. They managed to make contact with the enemy.
These two formidable characters fought the enemy in a fierce running gun battle. Baharin and Lan Gima themselves killed 13 of the enemy. The King bestowed the PGB on 2Lt Baharin bin Abd Jalil for valour in the highest traditions of the Ranger Corps. He retired from the service with the rank of Major.
Lan Gima
On 12 March 1971, two Communist Terrorists met the villagers of Kampung Goebilt to get food supplies. The villagers obliged by giving them some food, after which they quickly informed the members of the 1 RANGER. This resulted in one of the food collecting Terrorists being captured.
After gathering further information, 2Lt Baharin broke up his platoon into small groups. He teamed up with Ranger Lan anak Gima (Service number: 901111). These two managed to detect a group of enemies. The group of enemy was estimated to be around 10. They managed to make contact with the enemy.
These two formidable characters fought the enemy in a fierce running gun battle. Baharin and Lan Gima between themselves killed 13 of the enemy. The King bestowed the PGB on Ranger Lan anak Gima.
Voon Ken Hong
Main article: Voon Ken Hong
A Malaysian intelligence police officer and Special Branch secret agent who was involved in Operation Taloong during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89) in Malaysia. Retired from the service in 1997 with the rank Chief Inspector.
Ielias Ibrahim
The only recipient that comes from Territorial Army Regiment. Retired as Regimental Sergeant Major of Reserve Officer Training Unit in Universiti Sains Malaysia.