Sometimes, we need to pay extra attention to notice the minor changes in our friends because that tiny difference may just determine their fate between life and death. Who knows, they may even be going through radicalization right under our nose. This is exactly what happened to half-Malaysian half-Australian Amir Millson recently.
If you think Amir looks familiar, that’s because the good-looking lad was once crowned “Malaysia’s Most Eligible Bachelor” by Cleo Magazine Malaysia in 2010. Back then, he was doing part-time modelling and had plans of becoming a television presenter.
Do you recognise him?
Soon after that, he got married and was blessed with a son. As reported by The Star, he started to become radicalized in 2014 when he was 31 years old. He then divorced his wife before moving to Syria.
When asked, his friend revealed that Amir’s radicalization was a “gradual process”. This might be the reason no one had noticed and stepped in to prevent him from joining the Islamic State.
His friend also explained that Amir, whose real name is Amirrudin Hud Rashid Milson was a “handsome, outgoing, extremely friendly, brave and courageous” man.
In 2016, Amir was killed by a landmine that he stepped on while carrying another Islamic State fighter on his shoulder and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation had confirmed his death back in September.
Professor Clive Williams from the Australian National University told Daily Mail that the landmine was most likely laid there by the Islamic State themselves. He said,
“This in turn raises the question of whether being killed by one’s own side counts as martyrdom. Whatever the case, it is a sad waste of a talented and likeable young Australian.”
It is a sad reality that a heinous group like that can actually recruit just about anyone you know. We would like to stress again that if you notice any unsettling changes among those close to you, don’t be afraid to reach out and do something to prevent similar cases from happening.
What do you think of this case? Share with us your thoughts in the comments.
Also read: Form 5 Student Among 15 People Arrested for Planning ISIS Militant Attacks