KUALA LUMPUR: The British High Commission has given its assurances that the dilapidated grave of war hero Sir Henry Gurney will be restored to a respectable state.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay told the New Straits Times this following its news report on Saturday of the unkempt condition of the grave at the Cheras Christian Cemetery in Jalan Kuari.
"I am pleased that the work to restore Sir Henry Gurney's tomb will soon be underway with an anticipated completion date of the end of July," said Hay.
The NST learnt that high commission officials had, on Monday, met with a company appointed to renovate the grave.
An official involved said the company would be renovating the grave, with work commencing within the next two weeks.
"We expect completion of renovation and restoration work to take six to eight weeks from now. The work will enhance the plot, replanting border hedges and an entrance, while retaining its history and providence.
"This has been in plan for some time, but the Covid-19 restrictions caused some delay. Now that things are opening up again, work will be able to progress," said the official, who declined to be named.
The NST report had highlighted the condition of the grave of the former British High Commissioner to Malaya, who died seven decades ago.
The condition of Gurney's grave was discovered by a group of 40 people comprising Hash House Harriers from the "Hash Walk KL" and "Happy" hikers groups.
Among them was former Royal Malaysian Air Force inspector-general Brigadier-General (Rtd) Datuk Soon Lian Cheng, 80.
Speaking on their behalf, Soon told the NST that they were taken aback to see the sorry state of the grave of a man who had given his life, not only to Malaya but Britain and the Commonwealth.
"We are glad that some authority is now looking into the upkeep of Gurney's grave, so as to continue accord him the due honour and respect that he deserves so rightly.
"It was appalling to see the perimeter gate damaged and his tombstone not properly maintained," said Soon.
He added that the hash walkers had done their small part by weeding and sprucing up Gurney's grave during their visit.
Gurney's grave is adjacent to the well-kept Commonwealth War Graves that is "home" to many gallant officers and men who died during World War 2 or the communist insurgency.
A stone's throw from Gurney's grave is that of the late opposition politician Tan Sri Tan Chee Koon, whose grave is also well kept.
The group had organised the hike from nearby Bukit Pudu to Gurney's grave, after learning of its existence recently.
'Authorities should look into upkeep of Henry Gurney's grave in Cheras'