HEALING POWER OF A WISH FOR CANCER CHILD'S DREAM OF BECOMING A SOLDIER

BANTING, April 7 (Bernama) -- It is the healing power of a wish granted as a young boy battling blood cancer (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) fulfilled his dream of experiencing military life, even if only for a fleeting moment, at the Jugra Air Base here today.

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 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

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 personally picked up the lad from his home in Jeram, Kuala Selangor, using an MAF special operations 4x4 vehicle, the 'Cendana Auto' (fitted for radio communications), to whisk him off in regulation military gear to the air base.

bootstrap slideshow

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 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 PASKAU team. At the end of the military parade, Mohd Nizam presented him with a striking PASKAU uniform.

Meanwhile, Mohd Nizam said the MAF had also prepared a Close Escort Team in full combat gear to accompany little Akif Ziyan throughout the programme, ensuring he had a meaningful and unique military experience.

He emphasised that Akif Ziyan's dream should serve as an inspiration to others, reflecting MAF’s commitment to fostering a united society.

Despite only returning from a three-day long mission to Lebanon the previous day, General Nizam made it a priority to honour and fulfill Akif Ziyan’s dream before the child undergoes further medical treatment soon.

"The joy of Akif Ziyan is the reward we (MAF) 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 experiences given to Akif Ziyan today are meant to uplift his morale in battling his illness and who knows — perhaps one day, he may become a part of MAF himself," he said.

After the life-changing experience at Jugra, Akif Ziyan’s mother, Zuraidah Kasan, 39, revealed 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 mentioned that her son is awaiting surgery, whereupon his eldest sister Awliyah Zayanah, 11, has been confirmed as a suitable stem cell donor (bone marrow transplant) for him.

"Thank you, MAF, 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