BANTING: A young boy who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (blood cancer) fulfilled his dream of experiencing military life for a brief moment at the Jugra Air Base here.
Four-year-old Akif Ziyan Azhar's wish to become a soldier, even for a day, was made possible by 'Make-A-Wish Malaysia', which conveyed his dream to the Armed Forces.
This organisation works with hospitals to bring life-changing experiences to critically ill children and his special day unfolded when no less than the Chief of Defence Force himself, General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, who personally picked up the boy from his hosue in Jeram, Kuala Selangor, using a special operations 4x4 vehicle, the 'Cendana Auto' (fitted for radio communications), to whisk him off in regulation military gear to the air base.
Dressed in the Army's camouflage pattern uniform, Akif Ziyan observed and experienced the Quarter Guard Inspection conducted by Mohd Nizam and was even given the opportunity to stand at the control stage during the inspection.
He also watched a video presentation about the RMAF Special Air Service (Paskau) and witnessed a hostage rescue demonstration by the elite fighters' team. At the end of the military parade, Mohd Nizam presented him with a striking Paskau uniform.
Mohd Nizam said the Armed Forces prepared a close escort team in full combat gear to accompany little Akif Ziyan throughout the programme, ensuring he had a meaningful and unique experience.
He said Akif Ziyan's dream should serve as an inspiration to others, reflecting the Armed Forces' commitment to fostering a united society.
Despite just returning from a three-day mission to Lebanon the day before, General Nizam made it a priority to honour and fulfill Akif Ziyan's dream before he undergoes further medical treatment.
"Akif Ziyan's is the reward we seek. We hope that the Commando, Paskau and Paskal (elite) demonstrations instill a fighting spirit in the little boy to continue his journey in life.
"The experience Akif Ziyan had today is meant to boost his morale to battle his illness and who knows – one day, he may become a soldier," he said.
Akif Ziyan's mother, Zuraidah Kasan, 39, said that her youngest of three children has a deep passion for the military and frequently watches videos of security forces in action on YouTube.
She also said that her son is awaiting surgery and that his eldest sister Awliyah Zayanah, 11, has been confirmed as a suitable stem cell donor (bone marrow transplant).
"Thank you for making my son's dream of experiencing life as a soldier come true. My entire family and I are thrilled to see the joy on Akif Ziyan's face," she said, adding that he was diagnosed with blood cancer in April 2022. – Bernama
Armed Forces, Defence Force Chief, General Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Leukemia, Akif Ziyan Azhar, Make A Wish Malaysia
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Akif Ziyan's mother, Zuraidah Kasan, sheds a tear as she watches her son's wish fulfilled. – Bernama
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