
No, Sir. Civilians do not have permission to wear the PJM.
Sir,
I refer to your article "Veterans Pick up Medals" of 08 February 2007 regarding the presentation of the Malaysian medal the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) to British veterans which I read with great interest.
I do not want to bring rain to the parade, but any statement inferring that the PJM can be worn by any British citizen, whether serving or civilian, is not correct. The Government have confirmed in writing that the Queen approved acceptance of the medal by British citizens "on condition that it is not worn". Furthermore there are clear guidelines from the MoD to the effect that to wear a medal without The Queen's approval would be a grave discourtesy to Her.
It is time this Government reversed their callous disregard of Malaya-Borneo veterans and amended the appalling and mean-spirited decision that prevents Britons from wearing the PJM when The Queen has already given her permission for all other Commonwealth citizens to wear their medal formally. It will cost this country nothing - the gracious Malaysians are meeting the whole cost.
Yours faithfully,
Barry Fleming
Stockbridge Cottage
Inkpen Common
Inkpen
Hungerford
Berks
RG17 9QP
T: 01488 668 100
E: mailto:barry@fight4thepjm.org
W:
http://www.fight4thepjm.org
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BarryF, who fought for the Right to Wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia