More than 1,000 pay last respects to late commando officer
Major Mohd Zahir Armaya, the 36-year-old son of veteran Malaysian comedian and actor, died after being accidentally hit by a bullet during a ‘live’ demonstration at the Lok Kawi army camp Picture courtesy of the Malaysian Armed Forces |
More than 1,000 people including family members, close friends and members of the press were waiting there to pay their last respects when the body arrived at 1.48am.
Major Mohd Zahir, 36, died in a shooting demonstration held in conjunction with the launching of the 5th Infantry Division and 13th Infantry Brigade at the Lok Kawi army camp in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, yesterday morning.
Among the dignitaries present at the mosque to pay their last respects were Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Army Chief Jen Datuk Seri Ahmad Hasbullah Ahmad Nawawi, Navy Chief Laksamana Datuk Mohd Reza Mohd Sany, senior private secretary to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Kol (B) Nazim Mohd Alim, and Major Mohd Zahir’s father AR Badul and other family members.
It's always sad when a young man has passed away, more so when the death had been caused by 'friendly fire'.
This has NOT been the first time military or police personnel had perished needlessly by such 'friendly fire'. Usually, failures to follow procedures had been the cause.
Al Fatihah Major Mohd Zahir Armaya, go to the waiting arms of Allah swt.
Boards of Inquiry after Boards of Inquiry, and Court Martial after Court Martial, but alas, mark my word, such tragedies will happen again and again - and in all armed forces and police forces around the world. For men are imperfect mortals prone to errors (known as human errors). All we can do is to set the best possible safety procedures, instil discipline in handling arms, audit and improve the safe handling, and make the men follow the procedures. But errors lurk, always.
Al Fatihah.
ReplyDeleteMilitary duty is often hazardous, even in peace time.
It is unfortunate that , in this country, the burden and the sacrifice is now borne almost exclusively by one community.
that's to be expected when the exclusive community bars other ethnic groups from joining the military (or not accepting their applications)
DeleteI wonder which ethnic group has won the most SP's and PGB's?