SIR - I refer to the article (Chronicle, June 21) regarding the award of the Pingate Jasa Malaysian Medal.

I served with the Royal Hampshire Regiment from 1955-56 in Malaya as many of my friends and comrades did, some of whom lost their lives during the campaign and many who have passed on since having served there.

The Royal Hampshire Regiment distinguished itself there during their active service from 1953 to 1956, many of who were National Servicemen.

I find the award of this medal an insult to those who served with the Regiment and the ones who lost their lives for Queen and Country. The award is discriminatory and fails to cover the whole period of the campaign before 1957, when it was well worthy of the award of a medal, not just a General Service Medal, as after that time the Communists were by then a spent force.

For those who were awarded the medal I fail to see how Tony Blair is in any position to say it should not be worn by the deserving soldiers shown in the article.

It was due to their efforts that we enjoyed a long period of peace in the world, and enabled Mr Blair and many others to go to college or university to complete their education.

Those who served their country chose to make that sacrifice for us to have a better life.

He is poor example of leadership by the mess he has left by dragging this country into Iraq and Afghanistan.

I write this knowing how fortunate I have been to survive many campaigns, having served some 37 years in the Army with a few long-term injuries.

As for the award of the PJM medal, award it to all, not some.

Edward C Kimberley MBE, Larch Drive, Andover.