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). Make-A-Wish works with hospitals to bring life-changing experiences to critically ill children.
Akif’s special day unfolded when the defence force chief himself, Mohd Nizam Jaffar, picked up the lad from his home in Jeram, Kuala Selangor using an MAF special operations 4×4 vehicle, the “Cendana Auto”, to whisk him off in regulation military gear to the air base.
Donning the army’s camouflage uniform, Akif got to observe and experience the quarter guard inspection conducted by Nizam, during which he had the opportunity to stand at the control stage.
He also watched a video presentation about the RMAF Special Air Service (Paskau) and witnessed a hostage rescue demonstration by the team. At the end of the military parade, Nizam presented him with a Paskau uniform.
Nizam said MAF had also prepared a team in full combat gear to accompany Akif throughout the programme, ensuring he had a meaningful and unique military experience.
Despite having only returned from a three-day mission to Lebanon the previous day, Nizam made it a priority to honour and fulfil the boy’s dream before the child undergoes further medical treatment soon.
“Akif’s joy is the reward we seek. We hope our demonstrations instil a fighting spirit in him to continue his journey in life.
“The experiences today are meant to uplift his morale in battling his illness. Who knows – perhaps one day, he may become a part of MAF himself,” Nizam said.
Akif’s mother, Zuraidah Kasan, 39, shared that Akif, who was diagnosed with blood cancer in April 2022, has a deep passion for the military and frequently watches videos of security forces in action on YouTube.
She also revealed that her son, who has two older siblings, is awaiting surgery: his eldest sister Awliyah Zayanah, 11, has been confirmed as a suitable stem-cell donor 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’s face,” Zuraidah concluded.