‘Warrior spirit still deep in my heart’
KUALA KRAI: On National Day former soldier Ibrahim Awang Zakaria, who lost a leg in an operation against communist insurgents in Perak, will sit in front of the television at his home in Kampung Hamzah here.
Ibrahim, 75, who served with the Royal Malay Regiment, would spend the day watching all the special programmes and movies on National Day. This has been the routine for the former corporal for many years.
“Every year, when National Day comes, I never miss watching movies and programmes on television as this is one of my ways to bring back memories of when I was a soldier.
“Besides watching the movies, I also love listening to patriotic songs. They make me proud to have been a soldier who served the country,” he said at his home.
Despite losing his leg in the operation near Grik, Perak, in 1975 due to a booby trap, the father of 10 said his disability would not stop him loving the country.
“The spirit of a warrior is still deep in my heart. It did not waver even after I left the army in 1991.”
Recalling the tragedy, Ibrahim said he was conducting a patrol with seven others at Hutan Batu when the incident occurred.
“However, while walking along the route, one of us stepped on a booby trap, causing it to explode. I was badly hit by shrapnel, while another colleague was slightly injured.”
He said the incident was a bad memory for him.
“I am proud to have served the country that I love for its peace and harmony,” he said.