Hakim Danish bawa Jalur Gemilang dari litar ke litar

Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli, a 19-year-old Moto3 rider, has fulfilled a 10-year-long wait to win the Grand Prix (GP) Republik Czech in Brno, Czech Republic. The Jalur Gemilang medal always accompanies him on his journey from race to race across Europe, reminding him of home, family, and responsibility each time he wears the race suit.

He always keeps the medal close to his heart and in his bag. During national holidays, especially Independence Day, the medal ignites his passion, says Hakim to FMT. Throughout the year, Hakim has only had a chance to return home for three weeks before heading back to Europe for the 2026 World Moto3 Championship until the start of the season.

For a young man from Terengganu, racing during Independence Day has a special meaning. Not only does he pursue medals and the top position, but he also carries the hopes of the Malaysian people who want to see the country's name match the power of top motor sport. There is no feeling more heart-wrenching than seeing the Jalur Gemilang pinned abroad, followed by the national anthem after a victory.

He never thought he could carry the national anthem and its tune abroad, he said after being appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for Genting SkyWorlds. That moment was a reality in Brno last June when Hakim, riding for AEON Credit-MT Helmets-MSi, won the GP Republik Czech after outpacing two Spanish rivals in a thrilling final lap.

However, the journey to bringing Malaysia's name to the world stage is not always accompanied by victory. At the British GP in Silverstone earlier this month, Hakim's race ended earlier when he stalled after attempting to avoid Spanish rider Adrian Cruces, who had crashed into him after being cut off by Ireland's Casey O’Gorman.

While the path to victory is still long, with nine races remaining, Hakim acknowledges the sorrow that accompanies leaving family and home. However, the sacrifice is not unfamiliar to him. Since the age of 13, he has learned to be away from family for the sake of chasing his dream – becoming a rider who can bring Malaysia's name to the highest podiums.

For the first time, traveling to Europe is heartbreaking, but he encourages himself to succeed in motorcycle racing. His family is also saddened but provides extraordinary support. The family always fuels Hakim's passion for racing. Hakim began his journey far from international glory at the age of seven, starting with a pocket bike after his father, a mechanic, introduced him to the track.

From there, motorcycles became a significant part of his life. After finishing school, he quickly moved to SIC. A day without riding a motorbike feels strange. Going to bed, he dreams of motorcycles. In addition to the journey, the family's unwavering support is the fuel that keeps Hakim going. He cites World Championship Grand Prix winner Marc Márquez Alenta and national track athlete Azizulhasni Awang as his inspirations. Hakim aspires to be an individual who can bring pride to his country, he says.