RMN Hero Honoured, Leads Rukunegara Pledge At National Day 2025 Celebrations

By Puti Iylia Maisarah Zol Azman

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- In recognition of his remarkable bravery in saving four lives during the boat tragedy in Teluk Batik, Perak, in 2023, Royal Malaysian Navy Lieutenant Commander Mohd Firdaus Arbaain was granted the honour of leading the recitation of the Rukun Negara Pledge at the 2025 National Day celebrations today.

The Executive Officer of KD Sri Indera Sakti described the opportunity as a great honour, especially in having the privilege of leading the recitation of the pledge before His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and millions of viewers, making him the first RMN member ever chosen for such a significant role.

“As a father, I want to set the best example for my kids so they can keep these memories with them for the rest of their lives,” he told Bernama.

Mohd Firdaus said his participation in the celebration was not just a personal milestone, but a responsibility to represent the voices of Malaysians in reciting the pledge, which reflects deep affection for the country.

Asked about his preparations, the father of three shared that he focused on physical, emotional, and spiritual strength, which included reviewing the text, working on his intonation, and even rehearsing with his children at home.

Mohd Firdaus shared that he also listened to a previous recording of the pledge recitation to improve his intonation and deepen his appreciation, in addition to practising with students from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), who brought back memories of the start of his career 25 years ago.

He said that the tribute symbolised the sacrifices made by the entire security forces and the unity of Malaysians, while also serving as a reminder of the blessings of peace and prosperity enjoyed by the country.

“Throughout my service, I’ve been deployed to countries in conflict, such as Timor-Leste (2004), Somalia (2008 and 2012), and Lebanon (2010). Reflecting on these experiences, I’m really grateful to have always lived in peace. I just hope this peace lasts forever,” he said.

Commenting on the principles of the Rukun Negara, he said that values like Loyalty to the King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, and Courtesy and Morality were in line with the military spirit, which emphasised discipline and full respect for the law, particularly the Armed Forces Act 1972.

Mohd Firdaus received the Bintang Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan on June 2 at the Federal Awards, Medals and Honours Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with the Official Birthday of Sultan Ibrahim.

The award was given in recognition of his heroic act during the incident where a boat capsized at Teluk Batik Beach, where he swam 40 metres alone to rescue four out of the 15 passengers, including two children.

--BERNAMA