BALING: The widow of Corporal Mat Aznan Awang of the Malaysian peacekeeping force (Malbatt 1) admits to feeling heavy-hearted each time she is asked about the situation that befell her husband 30 years ago.
Siti Zauyah Yahya said her family feels proud knowing that the movie Malbatt: Misi Bakara, currently playing in cinemas, depicts the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident in Somalia from the Malaysian mission's perspective.
In the movie, Corporal Mat Aznan is played by actor Safwan Nazri.
Remembering that fateful day, Siti Zauyah said her husband perished in the firefighting at Bakara Market while assisting the US military.
She said her husband had been driving one of the armoured personnel carriers (APC) before it was shot by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) by rebel forces.
"My husband went on the mission to Somalia not on the pretext of war, but to be a peacekeeper.
"But when the US forces requested assistance, they were willing to help to the point of sacrificing their lives.
"Following the attacks at Bakara Market, my husband's remains arrived in Malaysia nine days later. At that time, I could still see blood on the left side of his chest.
Until today, Siti Zauyah said she cannot bear to imagine the condition inside her husband's APC due to the attacks.
"Indeed, my husband and his team were brave because the Pakistani army had to retreat, but the Malaysian army was willing to go in," she said when met in Sungai Limau Village, here.
Siti Zauyah added that she is even prouder now as her eldest daughter, Nor Azlinda Mat Aznan, 37, is following in her father's footsteps by serving in the army.
Nor Azlinda is currently a senior trainer for the General Service Corps, 19 Royal Malay Soldier Regiment (RAMD), Kem Lapangan Terbang in Sungai Layar, Sungai Petani.
"I am proud that one of our children can continue their father's spirit and legacy as a soldier. So when there is a problem in our family, Nor Azlinda can help inform the superiors at the camp.
"Alhamdulillah, I was able to raise my children well as a result of the government's contribution to my late husband's pension. The Defence Ministry has also been very concerned about the well-being of my children and I until now," she said.
Siti Zauyah, who is blessed with five grandchildren, said her late husband's love could still be felt to this day and she never stops praying for him.
She is happy to have fulfilled her promise to him by taking good care of the children and giving them the religious education and knowledge that he wanted them to have.
"In conjunction with National Day tomorrow, I call on all the young people to instil a sense of patriotism in themselves.
"These are very challenging times. I personally encourage my grandchildren to join the army or other uniformed services.
"Losing a loved one is painful, but remembering the sacrifice of my late husband for the country, I am amazed and proud of his bravery. Not even for a second will I forget what happened 30 years ago," she said.
