BANTING: A young boy battling blood cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) has fulfilled his dream of experiencing military life, even if only for a fleeting moment, at the Jugra Air Base here.
Four-year-old Akif Ziyan Azhar’s dream of becoming a soldier, even for a day, was made possible by the NGO Make-A-Wish Malaysia, which conveyed his dream to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
The organisation works with hospitals to bring life-changing experiences to critically ill children, and his special day unfolded when the MAF chief himself, Jen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, personally picked up the lad from his home in Jeram, Kuala Selangor, yesterday.
He arrived with an MAF special operations 4x4 vehicle, the “Cendana Auto” (fitted for radio communications), to whisk him off in regulation military gear to the airbase.
Togged out in the Malaysian Army’s digital pattern camouflage uniform, Akif Ziyan had the chance to observe and experience the Quarter Guard Inspection conducted by Jen Mohd Nizam and was even provided the opportunity to stand at the Control Stage during the inspection, Bernama reported.
He also watched a video presentation about the RMAF Special Air Service (Paskau) and witnessed a hostage rescue demonstration by the Paskau team.
At the end of the military parade, Jen Mohd Nizam presented him with a striking Paskau uniform.
Meanwhile, Jen Mohd Nizam said the MAF had also prepared a Close Escort team in full combat gear to accompany young Akif Ziyan throughout the programme, ensuring he had a meaningful and unique military experience.
Despite returning from a three-day-long mission to Lebanon just the previous day, Jen Mohd Nizam made it a priority to honour and fulfil Akif Ziyan’s dream before the child undergoes further medical treatment soon.
“The joy of Akif Ziyan is the reward we (the MAF) seek.
“We hope that the Commando, Paskau and Paskal (elite) demonstrations instil a fighting spirit in the little boy to continue his journey in life,” he said.
