KUALA LUMPUR: The country's two "top guns" paid tribute to the late pilot Lieutenant-Colonel (Rtd) Fajim Juffa Mustaffa Kamal.
Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan "Gunjiz" Goriman Khan and Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi "Apai" Buang paid a courtesy visit to the home of Fajim's family in Semenyih, Selangor, to personally offer their condolences.
"Fajim was truly a magnanimous officer and a gentleman. He was highly spirited, motivated, jovial and loved by all squadron mates and friends who knew him.
"He is one character who brings life to the squadron. He will be missed by all. I am so sad," said Asghar.
He added Fajim continued to fly bravely even after he survived an incident that forced him to eject from his troubled MiG-29N jet-fighter during a routine training mission in 2005.
"I still recall how we took a whole day to locate and rescue him. We shared many good memories together in the MiG-29N squadron. Fajim also did very well as an instructor at RMAF Alor Star base, attaining an 'A' category (excellence)," said Asghar, who also had commanded the Sukhoi Su-30MKM squadron at the RMAF Gong Kedak base at the Kelantan-Terengganu border.
Asghar summed Fajim's death as God's will and said the RMAF would provide whatever assistance to his family.
Affendi echoed similar sentiments, saying the RMAF, the general aviation sector and the country had lost a well-trained and experienced pilot.
"My sympathies to his family. May his soul rest in peace," said Affendi, who also used to fly the MiG-29N jet fighter.