HMNZS Taranaki for ex HMNZS Taranaki crew - New Zealanders eligible for Malaysian military medal

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced today that the Queen has given her approval for eligible New Zealanders who served in Malaya / Malaysia to wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal.

Helen Clark said the Malaysian government wishes to award the PJM medal to those who served in Malaya / Malaysia for at least 90 days, between 31 August 1957 and 31 December 1966. This also includes service in Singapore up to 9 August 1965.

"New Zealand and Malaysia enjoy a long-standing and valuable defence relationship. The Malaysian government's offer of the PJM medal is an acknowledgement of the contribution made by New Zealanders to the security of Malaysia, and the region," Helen Clark said.

Defence Minister Mark Burton said while the PJM medal is a foreign award, it would be administered by the New Zealand Defence Force. The medal recognises certain service in Malaya, Borneo, and Singapore between 1957 and 1966.

"The NZDF will act as the agent for the Malaysian government in the administration of the PJM award. However, in all possible circumstances, senior representatives from the Malaysian government will present medals in person to recipients, including the next of kin in the case of posthumous awards," Mark Burton said.

Application forms should be sent to: Medals Office, Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt, New Zealand.

Once the applications have been verified, they will be forwarded to the High Commission of Malaysia, in Wellington, which will undertake the approval and presentation of the PJM medal to eligible veterans.

Further details on the eligibility criteria, and application forms, are available from the NZ Defence Force Medals website: www.nzdf.mil.nz/medals