Warriors' Day: 'Darah Yang Terpercik Di Baju’ Pays Tribute To Nation's Heroes

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir

PUTRAJAYA, July 31 (Bernama) -- Among the rows of heroes, veterans of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), a soft yet powerful female voice pierced the stillness of the morning, evoking memories of bloodshed and sacrifice on the battlefield.

The poem, titled ‘Darah Yang Terpercik di Baju,’ was more than just a recitation. For Staff Sergeant Siti Nur Aini Jasni, it was a heartfelt expression of duty and devotion - a pledge of loyalty spoken with love. A member of the ATM for over two decades, she delivered each line not just with voice, but with the weight of experience as a military personnel.

Chosen for the third time to recite a poem in conjunction with Warriors’ Day, Siti Nur Aini considers the opportunity a deeply meaningful honour, especially as she stands before rows of veterans who remain resolute, even as age begins to weigh on their bodies.

“When I see the veterans marching with such enthusiasm, despite their age and physical limitations, my heart aches,” she said.

“Their unwavering spirit breathes life into every verse I recite,” she added, referring to the poem written by the late Norazimah Abu Bakar.

Having begun reciting poetry during her school days, the 40-year-old from Kulim, Kedah, said her passion for poetry has remained strong throughout her career in the military. Her dedication has earned her several accolades, including being crowned champion of the ATM ‘Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Kemerdekaan’ 2023.

However, Siti Nur Aini is quick to point out that it’s not the awards that matter most, but how poetry can stir the hearts of the younger generation and remind them of the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes.

“The verses that touches me most deeply are: ‘selimut pejuang yang gugur perlahan dilepaskan’ and ‘dari liang pusara menyambut syahdu, resam terpercik darah di baju masih basah, bersemadi di kalbuku’. These lines pierce straight to the heart.

Her recitation is more than spoken words. Her facial expressions and gestures flow naturally, shaped by her 21 years of service in the military.

“I visualise the sacrifices made throughout my years in uniform, and from there, the emotions come on their own,” she said.

Siti Nur Aini also shares her training methods with her recital partner, Detective Sergeant Ardiansyah Wayang from the PDRM. Together, they often exchange ideas and rehearse to identify the key parts of a poem that need to be emphasised to leave a lasting emotional impact on the audience.

“We always collaborate, share perspectives, and practise together. We discuss which parts of the poem need to be highlighted so that the message truly resonates with the audience,” she said.

Siti Nur Aini is set to take part in the ATM ‘Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Kemerdekaan 2025’ competition, continuing her journey of blending artistic expression with national pride.

The Warriors’ Day parade, coordinated by the PDRM, involved 18 officers and 685 personnel from the PDRM and ATM, led by Superintendent Mohamad Ridzuan Roslan of the PDRM.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia, graced the parade held in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors’ Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan Negara here.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar were also in attendance.

The Warriors’ Day, first observed on July 31, 1960, stands as a symbol of national appreciation and recognition for the service, sacrifice, and bravery of officers and members of the PDRM and the ATM, both those who have fallen and those still living, in defending the sovereignty and peace of our beloved nation.

-- BERNAMA