JOHOR BAHRU: The father of the late Constable Ahmad Azza Fahmi who was shot during an attack at the Ulu Tiram Police Station said he will carry memories with his son to his grave.
"What father wouldn't be saddened by the loss of his child in such circumstances? However, I accept it and leave it to Allah.
"The memories with the deceased will be carried to the grave, and I will keep this sadness in my heart," said Azhar Khaiden, 54.
Azhar said he received the tragic news at 2.53am today from the deputy police chief of the station, initially thinking his son had been involved in a road accident.
He was heartbroken to learn that his fourth child out of eight had died in the attack. He then informed his wife, Nurhaliza Awaluddin, who is in her 50s, about the incident.
Azhar said the last time he saw his son was during Ramadan when he spent almost two weeks at the family home in Bidor, Perak.
"We kept in touch, and after Maghrib prayers yesterday, he sent a message as usual, with no indication of any trouble.
"He couldn't come home for Eid because he had just started his job as a police officer two years ago in Johor after completing his training in Langkawi.
"He celebrated his birthday in January, and all the memories with him will remain in my heart until the end of my life," he said.
Azhar, who is also a Mathematics and History teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Felda Sungai Kelah Sungkai, Perak, said he accepted his son's passing and trusted the relevant authorities to conduct an investigation.
"I have no regrets about him working as a police officer. His brother is also a police officer in Sabah, and his sister will attend an interview next week. I hope all goes well.
"He always dreamed of becoming a police officer since he was a child. For those of us still living, our lives are determined by fate.
"No matter how much we cry, those who are gone will not return. We have to accept it and continue living.
"The suspect has also died, so we leave it to God for justice in the afterlife.
"Our actions won't solve anything, there are laws and there will be justice in the afterlife. I do not deny that my son was a good person," he said.
Azhar added that initially, the family planned to bring the body home today, but due to certain factors, the arrangements will be made tomorrow.
"He will be buried in Perak, and I pray for his peace there," he said when met at the Forensic Department of Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) today.