# Star of the Commander of Valour

The Star of the Commander of Valour (Malay: Panglima Gagah Berani) is a medal awarded by the Malaysian government. The award was established on 29 July 1960, and it was formally gazetted by an act of parliament on 11 August 1960. It is Malaysia's second highest gallantry award, coming in second only to the Grand Knight of Valour (Malay: Darjah Kebesaran Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa).
Only members of the military (i.e. all services under the Malaysian Armed Forces) and members of law enforcement forces (e.g. Royal Malaysia Police and Malaysia Coast Guard) are eligible for the award. It can be bestowed posthumously.
When compared to British Armed Forces military awards, this award is equivalent to the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

## Act 616

Living recipients receive a monthly allowance of RM300, according to Akta 616-Akta Panglima Gagah Berani (Elaun Kenangan) 2001. Posthumous recipients' next of kin receive RM 15,000 in compensation. This award may be given to the same person more than once.
The allowance may be revoked if any of the following conditions are met:
* The recipient passed away.
* The recipient is guilty of federal offences.
* The award was revoked in accordance with Section VIII of the Panglima Gagah Berani Statute.

## Appearance

The medal is made of pure silver and is shaped like a five-pointed star. On the star, two Kris lie beneath the Malaysian royal crown. A ribbon with 45° stripes slanting right holds the star. Stripes come in red, white, blue, and yellow.

## List of recipients

As of the year 2023, 115 people have been awarded the Star of the Commander of Valour.
| # | Name | Rank at the time | Year | Uniformed services | Unit at that time | Note |
| 1 | Abdul Rahman bin Haji Khamis [ms] | Lieutenant | 1958 | Malaysian Army | Malay Regiment | |
| 2 | Chong Yong Chin | Sergeant | 1958 | Malaysian Army | Federation Regiment | |
| 3 | Hashim bin Jantan | Lance Corporal | 1958 | Malaysian Army | Malay Regiment | |
| 4 | Mohamed Ghazali bin Haji Che Mat | Captain | 1958 | Malaysian Army | Malay Regiment | |
| 5 | Choo Wah Soon | Lance Corporal | 1961 | Malaysian Army | Federation Reconnaissance Regiment | |
| 6 | Maurice Lam Shye Choon | Captain | 1963 | Malaysian Army | Federation Reconnaissance Regiment | |
| 7 | Neville Herbert Siebel | Lieutenant | 1963 | Malaysian Army | Federation Reconnaissance Regiment | |
| 8 | Lee Ah Pow | Captain | 1964 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Reconnaissance Regiment | |
| 9 | Kamaruddin bin Mohd Jamal | 2nd Lieutenant | 1965 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 10 | Abdul Kadir bin Nordin [ms] | 2nd Lieutenant | 1966 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 11 | Ismail bin Ghows | Major | 1967 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 12 | Mahmor bin Said | Trooper | 1968 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Special Service Unit | |
| 13 | Baharin bin Abdul Jalil | 2nd Lieutenant | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 14 | Dajai anak Anggie | Corporal | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 15 | David Fu Chee Ming | 2nd Lieutenant | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 16 | Ismail bin Salleh | Major | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 17 | Lan anak Gima | Ranger | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 18 | Mileng anak Kilong | Sergeant | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 19 | Unggek anak Antin | Ranger | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 20 | Wan Hassan bin Haji Wan Ahmad | 2nd Lieutenant | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 21 | Zi bin Yaakub | Private | 1971 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 22 | Bajau anak Ladi | Ranger | 1972 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 23 | Indang anak Engkas | Sergeant | 1972 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 24 | Kassim bin Abdul Kadir | 2nd Lieutenant | 1972 | Malaysian Army | Intelligence Corps | |
| 25 | Mering anak Imang | Lance Corporal | 1972 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 26 | Osman bin Shariff | Sergeant | 1972 | Malaysian Army | Royal Reconnaissance Regiment | |
| 27 | Jantan bin Nyamat | Sergeant | 1973 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 28 | Ahmad bin Adnan | Corporal | 1973 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 29 | Nyopis nak Noyeat | Corporal | 1973 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 30 | Robert Rizal bin Abdullah | Captain | 1973 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 31 | Salehuddin bin Abdul Mutalib | Lieutenant | 1973 | Malaysian Army | Royal Cavalry Corps | |
| 32 | Samaon bin Ahmad | Captain | 1973 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 33 | Abdullah bin Dolmat | 2nd Lieutenant | 1974 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 34 | Md Ali bin Ahmad | Trooper | 1974 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Special Service Regiment | |
| 35 | Saafar bin Ibrahim | Corporal | 1974 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 36 | Sigai anak Nawan | Trooper | 1974 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Special Service Regiment | |
| 37 | Wilfred Gomez Malong | Inspector | 1974 | Royal Malaysia Police | Border Scouts, Police Field Force | |
| 38 | Zaki bin Nordin | Corporal | 1974 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Special Service Regiment | |
| 39 | Abdul Jalil bin Makmor | 2nd Lieutenant | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 40 | Abdul Rahim bin Abdul Rahman | Captain | 1975 | Royal Malaysian Air Force | 10 Squadron RMAF | |
| 41 | Ahmad bin Abdul Rashid | Captain | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Intelligence Corps | |
| 42 | Arokiasamy Augustine U. Ubagarasamy | Sergeant | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 43 | Mahamad Basri bin Din | 2nd Lieutenant | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Engineer Regiment | |
| 44 | Mat Isa bin Hassan | Ranger | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 45 | Othman bin Ismail | Lance Corporal | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 46 | Shanmuganathan Arampoo | Captain | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | posthumous |
| 47 | Taib bin Awal | Private | 1975 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 48 | Abdul Kadir bin Mat Jana | Sub-Inspector | 1976 | Royal Malaysia Police | Police Field Force | |
| 49 | Choo Yeok Boo | Captain | 1976 | Royal Malaysian Air Force | 7 Squadron RMAF | posthumous |
| 50 | Gui Poh Choon | Chief Inspector | 1976 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Investigation Division (D9), Criminal Investigation Department | |
| 51 | Basri bin Omar | 2nd Lieutenant | 1976 | Malaysian Army | Engineer Regiment | |
| 52 | Kulasingam Sabaratnam | Deputy Superintendent of Police | 1976 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Investigation Division (D9), Criminal Investigation Department | |
| 53 | Beliang anak Bali | Lance Corporal | 1977 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 54 | Ielias bin Ibrahim | Private | 1977 | Malaysian Army | Territorial Army Regiment | |
| 55 | Jamaludin bin Suriani | Warrant Officer II | 1977 | Malaysian Army | Intelligence Corps | |
| 56 | Mat Zin bin Mat Yassin | Inspector | 1977 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | posthumous |
| 57 | Mohamad bin Salim | Constable | 1977 | Royal Malaysia Police | Police Field Force | |
| 58 | Mohd Noh bin Hashim | Constable | 1977 | Royal Malaysia Police | Police Field Force | |
| 59 | Muit bin Ahmad | Sergeant | 1977 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Special Service Group | |
| 60 | Mohamad H. Piah bin Ali | Lieutenant | 1978 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 61 | Panirchellvum Velaitham | 2nd Lieutenant | 1978 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 62 | Salihuddin bin Saisi | Corporal | 1978 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | |
| 63 | Kanang anak Langkau | Sergeant | 1980 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 64 | Roslan bin A. Rahman | 2nd Lieutenant | 1980 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 65 | Abdullah bin Babu | Major | 1981 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 66 | Gunasegaran Naidu Ratinum | Inspector | 1981 | Royal Malaysia Police | Senoi Praaq, Police Field Force | posthumous |
| 67 | Ismail bin Haji Ahmad | Lance Corporal | 1981 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 68 | Long anak Pandak | Corporal | 1981 | Royal Malaysia Police | Senoi Praaq, Police Field Force | |
| 69 | Mohd. Aziz bin Mohd. Yusof | Detective Constable | 1981 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | |
| 70 | Mohd. Zain bin Mohd. Noh | Sergeant | 1981 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 71 | Ahmad Radzi bin Mohd Noor | Sergeant | 1982 | Malaysian Army | | |
| 72 | Abdul Kamal bin Salleh | Lance Corporal | 1983 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 73 | Desmond Godfrey Lawrence | Superintendent of Police | 1983 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | |
| 74 | Tachmi bin Ismail | Corporal | 1983 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 75 | Micheal Riman anak Bugat | Sergeant | 1984 | Malaysian Army | Malaysian Ranger Regiment | |
| 76 | Mohd Mashkor bin Muradi | Sergeant | 1987 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Actions Unit | |
| 77 | Nazaruddin bin Mohd Zain | Sergeant | 1987 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Actions Unit | |
| 78 | Borhan bin Daud | Inspector | 1989 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | |
| 79 | Voon Ken Hong | Inspector | 1989 | Royal Malaysia Police | F Team, Special Branch | |
| 80 | Ab Aziz bin Ab Latiff | Major | 1994 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 81 | Khairul Anuar bin Abd Aziz [ms] | 2nd Lieutenant | 1994 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 82 | Mohd Halim bin Khalid | Captain | 1994 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 83 | Mohd Sabri bin Ahmad | Lance Corporal | 1994 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 84 | Muhammad Juraimy bin Aripin | 2nd Lieutenant | 1994 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 85 | Rizal bin Ismail | Lance Corporal | 1994 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 86 | Gani anak Binjoi | Sergeant | 1995 | Malaysian Army | Royal Ranger Regiment | posthumous |
| 87 | Suhaidi bin Saad | Lieutenant | 1995 | Malaysian Army | Royal Malay Regiment | |
| 88 | Mohamad bin Baharom | Warrant Officer II | 1996 | Malaysian Army | Royal Intelligence Corps | |
| 89 | Mohd. Noor bin Razak | Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police | 1996 | Royal Malaysia Police | Jungle Squad 69, Police Field Force | |
| 90 | Azman bin Muda | Constable | 1997 | Royal Malaysia Police | Pandan Indah Police Cottage | |
| 91 | Mohd. Zahir bin Mamat | Lance Corporal | 1997 | Royal Malaysia Police | Pandan Indah Police Cottage |
| 92 | Ada bin Kulim | Lance Corporal | 1998 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | |
| 93 | Anuar bin Alias | Commander | 2000 | Royal Malaysian Navy | Naval Special Force | |
| 94 | Mohd Shah bin Ahmad | Detective Sergeant | 2001 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | |
| 95 | Sagadevan Rajoo | Detective Sergeant | 2001 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | posthumous |
| 96 | Mathew anak Medan | Corporal | 2002 | Malaysian Army | 21st Special Service Group | posthumous |
| 97 | Mohd. Fakaruddin bin Zakaria | Constable | 2007 | Royal Malaysia Police | General Duty Branch, Semenyih Police Station | posthumous |
| 98 | Hisham bin Mahmood | Assistant Superintendent of Police | 2012 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Actions Unit | |
| 99 | Apot anak Saad | Sergeant Major | 2013 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | |
| 100 | Abd. Aziz bin Sarikon | Sergeant Major | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | General Operations Force | posthumous |
| 101 | Azman bin Ampong | Corporal | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | |
| 102 | Baharin Bin Hamit | Detective Sergeant Major | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | posthumous |
| 103 | Ibrahim bin Lebar | Assistant Commissioner of Police | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | posthumous |
| 104 | Michael anak Padel | Deputy Superintendent of Police | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | posthumous |
| 105 | Mohd Azrul bin Tukiran | Corporal | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | General Operations Force | posthumous |
| 106 | Mohd Salleh bin Abd Razak | Corporal | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | |
| 107 | Mohd Tarmizi bin Hashim | Corporal | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | |
| 108 | Sabarudin bin Daud | Sergeant | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | posthumous |
| 109 | Salam bin Tugiran | Sergeant (S) | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | Transport Branch, Logistics and Technology Department | posthumous |
| 110 | Zulkifli bin Mamat | Assistant Superintendent of Police | 2014 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | posthumous |
| 111 | Datuk Leong Chee Woh | Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired) | 2017 | Royal Malaysia Police | F Team, Special Branch | |
| 112 | Md Radzi bin Md Isa | Deputy Superintendent of Police (Retired) | 2017 | Royal Malaysia Police | VAT 69 Commando | |
| 113 | Baharuddin bin Ramli | Sergeant | 2021 | Royal Malaysia Police | 3rd Battalion (Senoi Praaq), General Operations Force | posthumous |
| 114 | Norihan bin Tari | Sergeant | 2021 | Royal Malaysia Police | 3rd Battalion (Senoi Praaq), General Operations Force | |
| 115 | Mohamad Hasnal bin Jamil | Deputy Superintendent of Police | 2023 | Royal Malaysia Police | Special Branch | |

## Notable recipients
### Baharin Abd Jalil

Major (retd) Baharin bin Abd Jalil, (Service number: 410560), was a Platoon Commander in A Company of the 1st Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment (1 RANGER) at the time. He was a Leftenan Muda ('2nd Lieutenant') at the time. In Operation Hentam, he was tasked with conducting blocks in various locations around Kampung Goebilt, Sarawak. Blocks are positions where a unit, the anvil, acts as a stopping force. The pursuing force, the hammer, would fire-fight the enemy into the anvil, where it would be efficiently decimated. In jungle warfare, the "Hammer and Anvil" tactic is widely used.
Two Communist terrorists met the villagers of Kampung Goebilt on 12 March 1971, to obtain food supplies. The villagers obliged by providing them with food, and the members of the 1 RANGER were quickly informed. As a result, one of the food-collecting terrorists was apprehended. Baharin divided his platoon into small groups after gathering more information. He joined forces with Ranger Lan Gima. These two were successful in detecting a group of enemies. The enemy group was estimated to number around ten people. They were successful in making contact with the enemy.
In a fierce moving gunfight, these two formidable characters engaged the enemy. Baharin and Lan Gima killed 13 of the enemy themselves. The King awarded the PGB to 2Lt Baharin bin Abd Jalil for valour in the highest Ranger Corps traditions. He left the military with the rank of Major.

### David Fu Chee Ming

Captain (retd) David Fu Chee Ming [ms], (b. 1945; Service number: 200772), was the Platoon Commander of the 8th Platoon of C Company, 4th Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment at the time. He was tasked with tracking and destroying the enemy in his sector of operation in the Tanah Hitam area of Perak. He was a Leftenan Muda ('2nd Lieutenant') at the time.
On 27 August 1970, his platoon of 24 men came into contact with a group of approximately 70 enemy combatants. The enemy had accidentally entered his sector. Thus began a 7-hour-long heavy and intense battle. The men fought on under his unwavering leadership, killing four of the enemy. There were no casualties on his patrol.
The King awarded him the PGB for his outstanding gallantry and bravery in the finest traditions of the Ranger Corps. He retired as a Captain after a distinguished career.

### Ielias Ibrahim

Warrant Officer Class 1 (retd) Ielias bin Ibrahim is the only PGB recipient from the Malaysian Army's reserve unit, the Territorial Army Regiment. Ielias retired as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Reserve Officer Training Unit at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

### Ismail Salleh

Colonel (retd) Ismail Salleh [ms], (Service number: 12171), then Company Commander of the 6th Battalion, Malaysian Ranger Regiment, was tasked with carrying out Operation Badak in the Pelam Estate area of Klian Intan, Perak. He held the rank of Mejar ('Major') at the time. This operation was launched in response to intelligence that a group of enemy infiltrators had infiltrated the area via the Thai-Malaysian border.
Ismail, along with Platoons 8 and 9, entered the area of operation around 3 a.m. on 23 August 1970, with the intention of blocking enemy infiltrators. Platoon 8 made contact with the enemy's forward elements around 4 p.m. on the same day. Four of the enemy were killed in a brief and fierce firefight. As a result, the enemy staged a withdrawal. The enemy launched a counterattack against Platoon 8 after a few minutes. At the same time, Ismail and Platoon 9 were targeted by another enemy group. The Battalion's HQ at Klian Intan Camp requested artillery support. Ismail and his group were able to surround the enemy while waiting for the requested artillery support. In this position, he and his group exchanged fire with the enemy, killing one and wounding several others. As artillery fire rained down on the enemy, he ordered his men to keep firing on the encircled enemies. The enemy was estimated to number around 70 people and to be armed with automatic weapons and high explosives.
The fight lasted seven hours. His Majesty the King bestowed the PGB on Major Ismail bin Salleh for his bravery in the face of the enemy. He left the military with the rank of Colonel.

### Kanang Langkau

Warrant Officer Class 1 (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 (today known as the 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment) who was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa. He is the only person in the Malaysian Armed Forces to have received two of the highest gallantry awards.
On 21 April 1962, he enlisted in the British Army as an Iban Tracker with the Sarawak Rangers. After Malaysia was established, he was absorbed into the Malaysian Rangers. He retired from the military after 21 years of service as a Warrant Officer Class 1.
   On the 1st of June 1979, while on a reconnaissance mission in the Korbu Forest Reserve (Fort Legap), he came across an enemy camp and attacked it against forces that outnumbered his own. As a result of the encounter, two rangers and five enemies were killed. Enemy equipment was also confiscated. He was awarded the "Pingat Gagah Berani" for his actions.

### Lan Gima

Ranger Lan anak Gima (Service number: 901111) served in the 1 RANGER. During Operation Hentam on 12 March 1971, he joined 2nd Lieutenant Baharin Abd Jalil on a manhunt mission. These two were able to detect a group of enemies numbering in the tens. They started the firefight and engaged in a fierce moving firefight with the enemy. Baharin and Lan Gima killed 13 enemies between them. The PGB was bestowed by the King on Ranger Lan anak Gima.

### Mohd Ghazali Che Mat

General (retd) Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali bin Haji Che Mat was one of the first four recipients of the award. The four soldiers received the award on Malaysian Independence Day, two years before the award was officially gazetted by the Malaysian government. Mohd Ghazali, then Leftenan Muda ('2nd Lieutenant'), led Platoon 1 from A Company, 2nd Battalion, Malay Regiment on a routine patrol on 13 November 1957. The platoon notices an enemy platoon on top of a hill. Platoon 1 was spotted by the enemy while climbing the hill to set up an ambush and was pinned down by enemy shots from the top of the hill. Mohd Ghazali and one of his platoon members, Private Hassan Selati, decide to do a suicide charge towards the enemy's position after being unable to move for a long time, and they manage to kill two of the enemy. The enemy withdrew from their position after being surprised by the supposedly final charge from the two brave men, and Platoon 1 survived the firefight. The enemy platoon was later identified as the 37th/39th Liberation Platoon of the 5th Malayan Communist Party Regiment. Mohd Ghazali was appointed as the 8th Chief of the Defence Forces on 1 November 1985.

### Voon Ken Hong

Chief Inspector (retd) Voon Ken Hong was a Malaysian intelligence police officer and Special Branch secret agent who participated in Operation Taloong during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89). Voon retired from the service as a Chief Inspector in 1997.