SHAH ALAM, The late Corporal Mohd Azrul Tukiran, who died in the tragic ambush in Kampung Sri Jaya in Semporna, Sabah in 2013, was honoured as the ‘Tokoh Kemerdekaan Negeri Selangor 2024’ tonight for his exceptional service in defending the nation’s sovereignty.

The award was presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to Corporal Mohd Azrul’s mother, Sadiah Mohd Amin, during the state-level 67th National Day celebrations at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam here tonight.

Corporal Mohd Azrul, a Klang native, was one of six police officers who lost their lives in an attack by militants during the Op Daulat operation against the Sulu insurgents on March 2, 2013.

His sister, Azlin Tukiran, 43, expressed profound pride and emotional gratitude for the recognition, noting that the honour reflects the state’s appreciation for her brother’s sacrifice.

‘As his sister, I am deeply proud of his sacrifice for our country. Despite the years that have passed, the pain from that tragic day still lingers,’ she said
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Besides the trophy, the late Corporal was also awarded RM10,000 as a token of the state government’s appreciation for his dedication.

In his speech, Amirudin called on the people of Selangor to embody the spirit of this year’s National Day theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Merdeka,” by moving beyond outdated mindsets and fostering unity across races to uphold national sovereignty.

He said the successes of Selangor and the nation are due to citizens who are not only open to progress but also respect and understand the fundamentals of the nation’s values and laws.

‘Jiwa Merdeka reflects those who are open-minded, who understand the limits of acceptable discourse, who are knowledgeable about our constitution, our monarchy, the Malay language as the national language and the harmony within our diverse society,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency