Mickey the lion


Malaysia's Mohammad Faisal Abdul Halim (center) battles for the ball with Singapore's players during the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group B match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, January 3, 2023. GLENN GUAN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Mickey is no mouse. Instead, he will fight like a lion, says Faisal Halim’s father Abdul Halim Saad. The father of the acid attack victim now wants his son to stay even more determined and come back stronger.

Opening up to the press four days after the acid attack at a shopping mall in Damansara on May 5, Halim said he has accepted what happened to his son and believes the episode would only make his fourth child out of five stronger.

"I want him to strengthen himself first. I hope he is determined enough to show he can come back even better," he said. "Saya reda (I accept it)," he said.

"Maybe there is a reason behind it. Even when people say it is kifarah (karma), I accept it. We are Muslims," he said. "I just hope that the person who did this act, I hope Allah gives him hidayah (guidance)."

The motive of the attack has not been ascertained but there has been much speculation, with some calling it a hate crime.

Halim, however, asserted that his son does not have enemies. "I feel he has no enemies because Mickey (as Faisal is called) is a friendly chap. He never hides and runs away from people. "He is like me. We like to crack jokes and so on but never ever did anything to hurt anyone or make it even personal."

Faisal underwent his third surgery yesterday and may need one or two more surgeries before he can be out of the intensive care unit (ICU).

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Laporta steps down as Barcelona president to seek re-election
Soccer-Dembele double lays platform for PSG's 5-0 rout of Marseille
Soccer-Real Madrid beat Valencia to stay on Barcelona's heels
Soccer-Slot bemoans officiating as Liverpool lose late on v Man City
Soccer-Bayern open six-point lead with five-goal thrashing of Hoffenheim
Soccer-Man City snatch chaotic 2-1 win at Liverpool to stay on Arsenal's heels
Soccer-Palace snap nine-game winless run by beating Brighton
Auspicious move
First goal a huge relief for Kasteneer
Coach Musawwir leaves footprint in Malawi under FIFA-backed scheme

Others Also Read