RMAF's ‘top guns', past and present, reunite
RMAF chief Asghar Khan Goriman Khan (fourth left) with retired generals (from left) Affendi Buang, Abdullah Ahmad, Mohd Yunus Mohd Tasi, Sulaiman Sujak, Abdul Ghani Abdul Aziz, Rodzali Daud and Ackbal Abdul Samad. (RMAF pic)
BUTTERWORTH : They kept the Malaysian airspace secure, from flying post-World War fighter aircraft to new-generation marvels.
These were the country's crème de la crème of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fighter pilots from yesteryear to present, 300 of whom gathered for the first time to reminisce about their glorious flying days.
As was the tradition, military fighter pilots operated not under their actual names but under covert call-signs given by their fellow comrades – Kimosabe, Taro, Hawkeye, Jaguh and Scatman – names rarely known to the public, for obvious reasons.
RMAF chief Gen Asghar Khan Goriman Khan described the reunion of serving and retired fighter pilots as well as weapon sensor officers as 'historic'.
'They took to the skies with courage and determination, not just to defend a young nation but to shape its history,' Asghar said at the 'Fighter Reunion 2025 – Connecting the Past to the Future', held at the RMAF Butterworth air base in Penang.
Present were guest-of-honour and the country's first local RMAF chief Sulaiman Sujak, who turned 91 on March 25, and RMAF deputy chief Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
The reunion took place at the RMAF air base in Butterworth, Penang. (RMAF pic)
Among the former RMAF chiefs present were retired generals Mohd Yunus Mohd Tasi, Abdullah Ahmad, Nik Ismail Nik Mohamed, Abdul Ghani Abdul Aziz, Rodzali Daud, Affendi Buang and Ackbal Abdul Samad.
Asghar reminisced about how they flew sub- and supersonic jets like the CL41G Tebuan, CAC Avon Sabre, A4-PTM Skyhawk, Northrop F-5E Tiger II, BAE Hawk 100/200, MiG-29N Fulcrum, F/A18-D Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker.
Reflecting on the RMAF's journey since 1958, with humble beginnings from propeller-driven aircraft and basic infrastructure, Asghar said these fighter pilots had transformed the RMAF into a force to be reckoned with.
He said the 1960s saw the dawn of a new era with the pioneers navigating uncharted skies, patrolling borders and ensuring peace during the Emergency and Confrontation with Indonesia. Then, the 1980s and 1990s brought the RMAF into the jet age.
'The F5E defended our sovereignty, the Hawks became our workhorses, while the MiG-29 gave us dominance in the sky. Then, came the crown jewels – the F/A-18 and Su-30MKM – a masterpiece of precision technology symbolising our arrival on the global stage,' he said.
Asghar briefing Sulaiman (left) on the aerial aerobatic display of F/A18-D and Su-30MKM jets, as Yunus looks on. (RMAF pic)
He added that as they stood on the shoulders of giants, they ought to look to the horizon as the world was changing when engaging in warfare.
'Tomorrow's battles may not be won solely in the skies but in realms that we have yet to master – space, cyberspace and beyond.
'The airspace warfare is upon us, with satellites no longer tools of communication but potential battlegrounds for dominance. Hypersonic missiles and drones are rewriting rules of air defence, while artificial intelligence is reshaping decision-making in combat.
He added that the RMAF must rise to meet these challenges by adapting, innovating and investing in the technologies of tomorrow.
Asghar called on everyone to continue to cultivate the spirit of excellence as pioneers and reminded them that as they navigated the skies of the future, to always remember those who gave them their wings and taught them that success was not just about reaching the peak.
Asghar (foreground, in flying suit) with former and current fighter pilots and other officers at the reunion. (RMAF pic)
'It is in ensuring that others can climb higher. Together, let us honour the past, master the present and conquer the future,' said Asghar.
Meanwhile, Sulaiman said it was 'special' to be able to mingle with the current pilots, in line with the theme 'Connecting the Past to the Future'.
Ghani, on the other hand, said: 'What an amazing reunion comprising Malaysians of all races and creeds – Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians – all one, with no distinction.
Affendi said the reunion was a gathering of the old and young who were trained for dedication, excellence and camaraderie.
The reunion included an exhibition called 'Down Memory Lane' and an aerial aerobatic display of F/A18-D and Su-30MKM jets, culminating with dinner.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
Sabahan man allegedly denied rental, told 'locals only'
A Sabahan man recently told a property agent to brush up on her history lessons after an alleged misunderstanding about his nationality. In a post on Threads, he shared that he was in the middle of a conversation with a property owner while looking for a place to rent. During the conversation, as shown in a screenshot, he listed his race as Kadazan. However, the property owner told the Sabahan man that the units were allegedly reserved for 'local Malaysians' only. The response left the man shocked, prompting him to exclaim: 'Kadazan is Sabahan, sister!' He further emphasised his point, adding that he is indeed Malaysian. The man later clarified in the comments section that the property owner did not respond after that. The exchange has ignited a broader conversation about the lack of awareness regarding the ethnic diversity within Malaysia, particularly with regard to Sabah and Sarawak. 'Sarawakian here, and yes, I have faced the same issue before – not only while house hunting but even during job interviews where I was told. 'We only hire Malaysians at the moment,'' one user said. 'Did she not go to school?' asked another. 'Kadazan isn't even a rare ethnicity to begin with – it's a different story if you mention a race that's not widely known, because Sabah and Sarawak have so many ethnic groups,' another user pointed out.
The Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Sun
Sabahan man schools property agent after being told rental units reserved for 'local Malaysians' only
A Sabahan man recently told a property agent to brush up on her history lessons after an alleged misunderstanding about his nationality. In a post on Threads, he shared that he was in the middle of a conversation with a property owner while looking for a place to rent. During the conversation, as shown in a screenshot, he listed his race as Kadazan. However, the property owner told the Sabahan man that the units were allegedly reserved for 'local Malaysians' only. The response left the man shocked, prompting him to exclaim: 'Kadazan is Sabahan, sister!' He further emphasised his point, adding that he is indeed Malaysian. The man later clarified in the comments section that the property owner did not respond after that. The exchange has ignited a broader conversation about the lack of awareness regarding the ethnic diversity within Malaysia, particularly with regard to Sabah and Sarawak. 'Sarawakian here, and yes, I have faced the same issue before – not only while house hunting but even during job interviews where I was told. 'We only hire Malaysians at the moment,'' one user said. 'Did she not go to school?' asked another. 'Kadazan isn't even a rare ethnicity to begin with – it's a different story if you mention a race that's not widely known, because Sabah and Sarawak have so many ethnic groups,' another user pointed out.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Fit for the special occasion
DURING Hari Raya Aidiladha, try this Malaysian interpretation of mandi rice of Yemen. You'll know what Yemeni mandi and kabsa rice are if you've ever had Nasi Arab. These are ancient rice dishes where the meat – often lamb or chicken – is first poached in a spiced broth, then marinated in an intensely flavoured spice paste, and finally grilled or roasted until glossy and caramelised. The rice is cooked in the same broth with additional herbs and spices, and sometimes even fruits and nuts are tossed in for extra aroma and texture. As is traditional in many Arab and Malay cultures, a feast like this for Aidiladha and other festivals is usually served on a large communal tray with chicken nestled atop the rice, salad and salsa on the side, and a bowl of warm, clear broth for sipping or spooning over. Nasi Arab is the Malaysian interpretation of Arabian rice in the style of Yemeni Mandi and Kabsa, and has become a popular dish for Aidiladha. — Photos: Low Lay Phon/The Star However, it's also common to see single portions served neatly in segmented platters at Middle Eastern restaurants. Although the cooking method of Nasi Arab closely follows the mandi and kabsa styles, its ingredients are more aligned with Indian and Malay flavours. This localised recipe gives it a spice profile that is generally milder than the original, which often includes cardamom, saffron, black lime, bay leaves, and nutmeg. Traditional cooking methods involve roasting the meat in a tandoor oven or an underground pit. The Arabian salad, called salata, is also crucial – it provides a fresh contrast to the rich meat and rice and is usually dressed simply with lemon juice and chopped coriander. The Arabian salsa known as daqqus is a homemade tomato-based hot sauce served as a dipping sauce for the chicken or, for chilli lovers, to drizzle over the rice. To prepare the Arabian salad, dice cucumber, tomato and onion, then add roughly chopped coriander and season with lemon zest, lemon juice and salt to taste. For those celebrating, Selamat Hari Raya Haji. May your home be filled with warmth, blessings and beautiful aromas. Nasi Arab Ingredients Poached chicken 2 tbsp cooking oil 1 red onion 1kg chicken leg quarters 1 tsp ground fennel 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp kurma spice mix ½ tsp salt to taste 1½ litres cold water ¼ cup lemon juice Chicken marinade 1 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp salt to taste 1 tbsp honey 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Arabian rice 2 cups basmati rice, soaked in cold water for 30 minutes 28g unsalted butter 1 stick cinnamon 3 buds cloves 1 pod star anise 1 red onion, sliced 30g ginger, julienned 3 cloves garlic, smashed 4 cups chicken broth, reserved from poaching chicken 2 tsp salt to taste 1 sprig coriander leaves Arabian salad 1 tomato, diced 1 cucumber, diced 1 red onion, diced 1 sprig coriander leaves, chopped ½ tsp salt to taste ½ tsp sugar to taste 1 tbsp lemon juice to taste Arabian salsa 10 bird's eye chilies 5 red chilies 1 tomato 1 clove garlic 1 sprig coriander leaves ½ tsp salt to taste 1 tsp lemon juice to taste Directions Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the red onion until softened and fragrant. Add chicken leg quarters along with all spices and salt. Pour in cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until chicken is tender. Alternatively, pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Remove chicken and reserve 4 cups of the broth for cooking rice. The remaining broth can be served as soup. Mix all marinade ingredients into a paste. While still warm, coat the poached chicken evenly in the marinade. Let sit for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Arrange chicken on a baking tray. Roast for 15 minutes, then baste with pan juices and roast for another 15 minutes or until glossy and caramelised. In a large sauté pan, heat the butter to saute whole spices until fragrant. Add onion, ginger and garlic. Cook until wilted and slightly golden. Add drained rice and stir to coat, lightly toasting for 1-2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a rice cooker. Add broth and salt. Cook according to rice cooker instructions. Once cooked, let rice sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff together with chopped coriander. Garnish with coriander leaves before serving with chicken, Arabian salad, Arabian salsa, and broth. For the Arabian salad, mix all ingredients in a bowl. Adjust salt, sugar and lemon juice to taste. Chill until ready to serve. For the Arabian salsa, blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste.
