Dataran putrajaya: Despite health challenges after being diagnosed with tuberculous (TB) meningitis, five-year-old Wan Nur Aidan Wan Khairu Akik stole the limelight at the National Day celebration here today when he arrived dressed in a full Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) uniform. His father, Wan Khairu Akik Wan Sulaiman, 39, said their family's presence at this year's celebration was not only to foster patriotism but also to provide moral support and joy for their only child.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aidan was born healthy but was diagnosed with a bacterial infection of the brain, TB meningitis, when he was slightly over two years old, which affected his physical development. "This is the third year we have brought Aidan to celebrate National Day at Dataran Putrajaya. In the previous two years, he only wore Malaysia-themed T-shirts, but this year we decided to have a full RMAF uniform specially made for him," Wan Khairu Akik shared.

The idea for the uniform came from Wan Khairu Akik's deep interest in the RMAF and his unfulfilled ambition of becoming an airman. Despite Aidan's special needs, his father is determined to instill courage and love for the country in him from a young age. Wan Khairu Akik, a teacher, mentioned that the uniform was specially ordered from a shop in Port Dickson at an estimated cost of RM200, including the beret.

Aidan's smart appearance in uniform attracted warm attention and encouragement from security personnel on duty at the celebration venue. Wan Khairu Akik emphasized their family's presence as proof of their love for the homeland, stating, "As Malaysians, if we do not express our love and pride in our country ourselves, who else will?"

He also expressed gratitude that this year's celebration proceeded smoothly and vibrantly, with good weather providing comfort for visitors who arrived as early as the morning.