New Zealand shooting: Malaysia mourns 14-year-old ‘typical, well-mannered teenager’ Sayyad Ahmad Milne
- Sayyad and his brother Shuayb were popular with other kids during a December youth camp in his mother’s native country
Sayyad Ahmad Milne was a “typical teenager” who loved soccer and understood his responsibilities towards society and as a Muslim, said a volunteer who befriended him in December.
Izwan bin Sabri is a volunteer at an annual youth camp organised by Al-Khaadem – a Kuala Lumpur-based non-governmental organisation founded by Malaysian-Chinese Muslim convert Hussein Yee.
He said 14-year-old Sayyad was popular among the other children at the camp and the community is in shock after news emerged he was among those killed in the Christchurch shootings.
“Like many of the kids that come to our camps, Sayyad was quiet and reserved at the first day,” Izwan told the South China Morning Post. “But eventually as the activities started, him and his brother instantly gained popularity among the other kids.
“He was your typical young teenager but my first impressions of interacting with him was how well-mannered and genuine he was. When we gave instructions for the activities he would give attention and listen.”
Sayyad was killed at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, which he attended every Friday. His mother, who was born in Singapore, was also at the mosque for prayers but managed to escape when the shooting started.