PORT DICKSON – Losing his father when undergoing training at the Army Basic Training Centre (Pusasda) here in May 22 spurred Azrel Ishak, 19, to emerge as the best overall trainee in the Young Army Training Series 193/2021.
Azrel, who started training at Pusasda since April, said his father Ishak Ismail, 61, who died of a stroke, always reminded him to become the best in whatever he did including when the training for the Malaysian Army (TDM) intake.
“Before coming here to undergo training, my father told me to bring the letter of graduation as a young soldier and become the best overall trainee.
“Since, my father was a former navy personnel, I want to follow in his footstep. This is the best present for my late father and my family.
“Although my father did not get to see it but I hope he is proud of my achievement,” he said after the Young Army Training Series 193/2021 Graduation Parade here today.
The event was launched by TDM chief, Gen Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain and was also attended by his deputy, Lieutenant Gen Datuk Mohammad Ab Rahman.
The youngest of six siblings, said as a young soldier he vowed to shoulder the duty of defending the nation to the best of his ability.
Other than Azrel, the Best Parade Young Soldier Award went to Mohamad Shamirul Ramza, 19, Muhd Luqman Fawwaz Salimi, 24 (Best Academic Young Soldier Award) and Patrick Nyaum Anak Jatan, 19 (Best Physical Fitness Young Soldier Award).
Earlier, Zamrose, in his speech, said 2,525 young soldiers succeeded in completing the Army Basic Training Course in Pusasda which started on April 12.
He said the young soldiers who underwent training at Pusasda had been provided with all aspects of basic army knowledge and skills required as a trained soldier.
“The focus of the training was directed on the building of physical fitness and aspect of spirituality to ensure they are confident, skilled, disciplined and competent soldiers,” he added.
