This is a sad, sad day for journalism, Malaysia and the world.
Our brave, handsome, dedicated journalist and exemplary husband, father and friend, Noramfaizul Mohamad Noor of Serdang, Subang Jaya, Selangor, has died at the hands of pirates and terrorists in lawless Somalia at the age of 40.
He leaves behind 2 kids and a beautiful, grieving wife Azrina Jaafar, my ex-colleague.
Faizul was a star journalist and lensman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).
The award-winning journalist was marking his second assignment in Somalia (his first being Black Hawk Down) when he died yesterday.
He was shot on the shoulder blade, dying a similar death as Mahsuri the maiden of Langkawi who was impaled by the shoulder blade.
He was the first Malaysian journalist to die in the line of duty in the last 20 years.
He was the media team leader covering a humanitarian relief mission of the Malaysian Government and the ruling National Front coalition.
The PM has described him as a national hero and a great son of Malaysia gone too soon.
I describe him as Al-Shahid, a man who died in the cause of Islam.
All men and women who give their lives in line of duty for the betterment of humanity are Al-Shahid.
RIP and Al-Fatihah.
To dearest Azrina, my ex-colleague, my prayers, love and hugs. Be strong, dear. We are all with you and family in your moment of grief.
And to Putrajaya, please make sure all security measures are taken to protect journalists such as working with international humanitarian relief agencies.
