SHAH ALAM: Rear Admiral (Rtd) Datuk Anuar Alias, the inspiration behind the hit film Paskal: The Movie, has been named Selangor’s 2025 Independence Personality in recognition of his contributions.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari presented the award to Anuar, former commander of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s elite Paskal (Naval Special Warfare Forces), during state-level 68th National Day celebrations at Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam yesterday.
Anuar, who hails from Puchong, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, describing the award as a great honour for himself and the national defence force.
He recalled significant events while serving in Angola under a United Nations mission, including rescuing nearly 20 children from a high-risk area and participating in several combat operations.
“Among the most unforgettable experiences was during my mission in Angola, where a UN armoured vehicle struck a landmine and I managed to rescue several UN personnel from Namibia out of the danger zone.
“Another incident I was involved in, which was portrayed in Paskal: The Movie, was when a civilian lorry in Angola came under rebel ambush. I happened to be seated behind the driver when several civilians were shot... I moved forward, and seeing me, the attackers fled, allowing me to save several people,” he told Bernama.
“Throughout my 41 years of service, I served with honesty and sincerity, and Alhamdulillah, upon retirement, I am content knowing I have devoted all my energy and dedication to the nation.
“I hope the next generation who continue to serve, whether in the military or police, will carry on the struggle with pride and always remember that our independence did not come cheaply, as it was earned through sacrifice and the spirit of all Malaysians,” the Navy veteran said.
Anuar joined the navy on Feb 1, 1981, at Segenting Camp, Negri Sembilan, beginning his career as a navigation officer on KD Baung before serving on several other vessels.
He later joined Paskal and participated in major operations, including the Unosom II troop withdrawal mission aboard KD Sri Indera Sakti and KD Mahawangsa, as well as high-risk assignments such as anti-sniping, close escort and amphibious withdrawal.
In 1998, he was selected to join the UN peacekeeping mission in Angola as an observer.
He was awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) on June 2, 2000, by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, making him the only Malaysian naval officer to receive the PGB, one of the nation’s highest honours for extraordinary bravery.
