IPOH, Sept 2 — Interest in the military and a sense of duty spurred a teenager from Raub, Pahang to sign up for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Cadet Training, where he was chosen as the Best Air Force Academy Cadet after completing his six-month stint at the RMAF Academy today.

Muhammad Azmin Hakimi, 20, the youngest of six siblings, had been active in uniformed bodies during secondary school and dreamt of joining the military after he finished school.

"I want to challenge myself mentally and physically and be different from my siblings who are in the public sector.

"I also want to be one of the many noble people involved in maintaining our country’s peace and sovereignty,” he said, as he expressed surprise at being awarded the Best Air Force Academy Cadet Award Series 66/23 at the graduation ceremony here today.

A total of 387 cadets completed their training today at the RMAF Academy at the graduation ceremony, officiated by Chief of Air Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.

Mohd Asghar Khan said in his speech that a military career was vastly different from other fields as it was a duty that required total responsibility, a high level of patience, and spirit.

"Whatever the challenge and obstacle, the duty to defend the country’s sovereignty and national interests will always come first.

"Negligence and mistakes can happen that could affect the country’s sovereignty and security. I therefore urge all air force cadets to always increase their attitude, skill, and knowledge to the highest levels... to remain relevant with the evolution and development of the RMAF as a full-spectrum air force,” he said. — Bernama