Anwar remembers Capt Zainol Afiq as kind man, pays tribute to pilot’s service (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remembered Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham as a kind man with good character. The Prime Minister recounted fond memories of Zainol Afiq, who had flown Anwar during the 15th General Election (GE15) campaign. Zainol Afiq's habit of shaking hands before boarding and after disembarking the helicopter, as well as reciting prayers together, were highlighted by the Prime Minister.

The PM urged the pilot's family to inform his staff if they needed any assistance, stating that Zainol Afiq's service and contributions would always be remembered. In a video clip of a phone conversation with Zainol Afiq's father, Bee Sham Ahmad, shared on Facebook, Anwar conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, along with those of his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and their family.

The PM also prayed for Allah SWT to grant the family strength, fortitude, and patience in dealing with their loss, and to shower His mercy upon Zainol Afiq's soul. Anwar promised to contact the families of the other victims killed in the crash, expressing Malaysia's mourning for their sacrifice and selfless service to the nation.

A BO-105 helicopter carrying Zainol Afiq and four others crashed near Long Lellang Airport in Ulu Baram, confirming the incident via the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). The four other victims were a medical officer, an assistant medical officer, and two nurses from the Health Ministry.