Paskal 2019

In the early 2010s, Malaysia took a bold step by launching military operations against pirates in the Gulf of Aden, driven by a crucial concern to protect their vital oil interests. This strategic move marked a significant turning point in the region’s fight against piracy. Against this backdrop, a dramatic event unfolded on one fateful night in 2018 when the supertanker Laurel 11, eerily reminiscent of the real-life Bunga Laurel, was hijacked by ruthless Somali pirates at the Gulf of Aden. The Royal Malaysian Navy sprang into action, responding to the distress call and dispatching MT Bunga Mas Lima to join forces with Commander Maznan (Nam Ron) in a daring rescue mission.

Commander Maznan, renowned for his tactical prowess, called upon PASKAL, Malaysia’s elite special operations unit, led by the fearless Lieutenant Commander Arman Rahmat (Hairul Azreen). A born leader, Arman has inherited the values of a true soldier from his late father, who served under Commander Maznan and Admiral Kamarulzaman. The mission required precision and stealth, and Arman’s team, comprising two boats and a Lynx, executed their plan with flawless coordination, ultimately subduing and capturing the pirates.

Arman’s trusted teammates included Lieutenant Khairil Fikri bin Abdul Musa (Ustad) (Taufiq Hanafi), Chief Petty Officer Shailesh Marimuthu (Misi) (Theebaan G), Petty Officer Imran Tamrin bin Radzi (Yan) (Hafizul Kamal), and Petty Officer Adam Ashraf bin Hanafi (Gagak) (Gambit Saifullah).

As the operation concluded, Arman’s thoughts turned to his uncertain future. Haunted by the painful memories of his past and his mother’s disapproval of his dangerous profession, he was torn between retiring from service or continuing to serve with honor. This introspection was sparked by a traumatic event in 2009 when Arman, then a sub-lieutenant, underwent training alongside his close friend and fellow PASKAL commando, the late Joshua Tee Seng Wai (Girang) (Henley Hii), who tragically lost his life due to Jeb’s reckless actions during a confrontation in Angola.

The incident had also left a lasting impact on Arman, as it served as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression. This experience would continue to influence Arman’s decisions and actions throughout the story.

As Arman (character) continued to honor his father’s legacy by serving in PASKAL, he found himself among a trio of elite operatives handpicked for an advanced training course with the US Navy SEALs alongside Joshua and Jeb. Their bond grew stronger as they navigated the challenges of their rigorous program. However, tragedy struck when Jeb, driven by a mix of emotions, accidentally took the life of his comrades during a peacekeeping mission in Angola two years later. The devastating event left Jeb gravely injured and subsequently led to his dishonorable discharge after a brutal execution of a prisoner using a sidearm. Joshua’s wife, Lily (Jasmine Suraya Chin), was informed by Arman about the incident, and Joshua received a dignified military funeral.

Arman went above and beyond to care for Joshua’s widow, Lily, and their young son, who had developed a strong bond with his mother. Despite his initial intention to retire from service, Commander Maznan convinced him to join a reconnaissance mission in Kota Kinabalu as a “farewell party.” Arman and his team were tasked with apprehending Rudi Rusli Parjo (Amerul Affendi), the notorious pirate leader responsible for hijacking MT Orkim Harmony. However, their plan was foiled when Arman discovered Jeb associating with Rudi at a food court. It became clear that Rudi had been recruiting ex-special forces operatives to join his ranks, and Jeb had been hired as his bodyguard.

Jeb’s resentment toward Arman grew from the moment they began training together. His jealousy intensified over time, fueled by perceived slights against him within the Navy’s system. This animosity eventually boiled over into a stalker-like behavior, with Jeb warning Arman to keep his distance from Lily. When CCTV footage revealed Jeb’s car bearing the logo of an oil rig company where Lily worked, alerting Arman to a possible hijacking plot, he swiftly notified the Navy, who in turn informed port authorities to lockdown the area. Although the fake security personnel team was apprehended by authorities, Jeb and Rudi managed to evade capture. They eventually seized control of the oil rig, with Lily among their hostages.

As the situation on the oil rig escalated, Arman’s team found themselves recalled from leave and transported to the rendezvous point via RMAF C-130 before being picked up by the stealthy Scorpene-class submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. Meanwhile, two additional teams were deployed as back-up to a forward operating base aboard KD Selangor, poised to provide reinforcement at a moment’s notice. However, plans changed and Arman’s team dived towards the oil rig, securing the top and clearing the way for reinforcements.

As they navigated through a maze of deadly traps and ambushes, Arman found himself face-to-face with Jeb, who had Lily bound to C-4 explosives. Jeb issued an ultimatum: drop his gun or risk blowing up the entire facility. Reluctantly, Arman complied, but Jeb’s aggression only intensified. The two PASKAL operatives engaged in a fierce battle, with Arman ultimately gaining the upper hand and forcing Jeb over the edge of the deck. As Jeb clung to life, he refused to accept defeat, firing his pistol at Arman, who barely escaped injury.

Meanwhile, Rudi and another pirate attempted to escape across Filipino waters by boat, only to be pursued by a Navy vessel. Their bid for freedom was short-lived as they were cut down before they could cross the treacherous waters. The lifeless bodies were later recovered on board the abandoned boat.

With all hostages safely rescued and brought ashore, Arman’s mother finally understood her son’s selflessness and acknowledged his sacrifice. In a poignant moment, she apologized, saying that his father would be proud if he were alive. Arman and his team received honors from the fleet commander for their bravery.

In a poignant aside, Chief Petty Officer Misi reflected on the anonymity of war, quoting philosopher Blaise Pascal: “How many kingdoms know nothing of us?” As Arman approached a memorial site where his father’s name was inscribed, the Fleet Commander revealed that Arman’s father had once served under him and spoken of duty as a sacred calling from God. The revelation hit home, underscoring the gravity of Arman’s mission and the sacrifices made by those who came before him.