KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Two Malaysian cadets have been appointed to the United States (US) top military academies, reflecting the long-standing security and defence partnership between Malaysia and the US.
They are Cadet Rakis Ruhaim Abdul Rahman, 22, who will attend the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and Cadet Luthfil Haikal Haswadi, 20, who will be appointed to the US Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Both cadets were officially appointed as members of the Class of 2029 during a send-off ceremony hosted by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said their selections exemplify the tremendous talent that Malaysia has.
He described the the two cadets as impressive, intelligent, articulate and determined individuals.
“This selection process is gruelling and competitive globally, making their achievement even more remarkable,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted that only about 15 international students are accepted annually into each US service academy.
He also pointed out that while international students make up just one per cent of each academy’s student body, they represent a significant leadership pipeline, especially in Southeast Asia.
“The Malaysian Armed Forces have a proud track record of sending cadets to the United States.
“Ten per cent of ASEAN leaders are US service academy graduates, the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet being one of them. This shows the long-term value of these exchanges,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rakis Ruhaim, reflecting on his military journey, said his decision to join the military was inspired by the passing of his father in 2017.
As the eldest and only son among three siblings, he felt a strong sense of responsibility to lead and support his family. He saw the military as a path to gain discipline and prepare himself for that role.
He enrolled at the Royal Military College (RMC) in Sungai Besi in 2019 at the age of 16, and a year later, he was selected to undergo the Navy Naval Cadet programme in Germany for two years.
Upon returning to Malaysia, Rakis continued his training at the Akademi Latihan Ketenteraan (ALK) before being accepted into the US Naval Academy.
Cadet Luthfil Haikal, a graduate from MRSM Pendang, Kedah, said it is his dream to join the armed forces and serve the country.
“I’m the first in my family to serve in the military. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by defence, stories of war, great heroes, and legendary commanders.
“Although I come from an academic background, I don’t see that as a barrier. I believe that for today’s youth, especially students, pursuing a military path is very much possible, regardless of where you start,” he told reporters.
Luthfil said that while he received other offers, including one from Japan, he chose to turn them down to focus on securing a place at West Point – a goal he ultimately achieved.
The ceremony was attended by the Malaysian Armed Forces Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel Services, Major General Datuk Reizal Arif Ismail, as well as military officials and family members of the cadets.
The ambassador also honoured Malaysian Officer Cadet Mohamad Khairel Adha Mohd Khairee, who recently graduated from the US Air Force Academy.
