KOTA SAMARAHAN: The son of a fallen hero, Mc Loie Michael, stood proudly among his peers as he received his scroll during the 29th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on Thursday.
The 23-year-old is the only child of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Michael Padel, who was killed in the line of duty during the Lahad Datu intrusion in March 2013, a tragic event that claimed the lives of several security personnel under Ops Daulat.
Now a graduate of the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours Programme, Mc Loie is charting his own path of service.
Speaking to Sarawak Tribune, he said nursing was not his first choice, but over time, he found meaning and purpose in the profession.
“Honestly, nursing wasn’t my first choice when I started. But as the Malay proverb goes, ‘tak kenal maka tak cinta’ (you can’t truly appreciate something until you get to know it),” he said.
“I never thought I would complete this course, but I did.”
Mc Loie said he plans to sit for the Malaysian Nursing Board examination to obtain his licence before serving as a registered nurse.
“Once I’m licensed, I want to work as a trained nurse, and maybe one day, even abroad.”
His mother, Jabah Mingku Voon, 48, fought back tears as she described her pride and relief at seeing her son graduate.
She said Mc Loie was her only child and that he was just 10 years old when his father passed away.
“It marks the end of four years of hard work. As a single mother since his father’s death, this day is filled with joy and gratitude.
“Now, seeing him succeed makes me so proud. He’s already working at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur, and who knows – maybe one day he’ll pursue a master’s or PhD,” she added proudly.
Mc Loie said every experience in life carries its own purpose, even when things seem uncertain.
“Not everything goes as planned. Sometimes things happen randomly, but there’s always a reason behind it. My message is simple: keep going and never give up,” he added.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, he said that while their professions differ, both share the same purpose: to serve others.
“My late father was in security, and I’m in healthcare. Our fields are different, but both serve the same goal: to help and protect the community,” he said.
“I may not have a guaranteed future, but I’ll do my best and stay grateful for what I have. Serving the community – that’s what I’m committed to.”
