MALAYSIA, ALOR STAR: The left sleeve of Lance corporal Zamri Md Soot's uniform was drenched with blood after another soldier accidentally cut his arm with a bayonet during a marching ceremony.

Despite the pain and heat, LCP Zamri, who sustained a deep cut, stayed in formation for almost two hours until the end of the Regimental Colours Replacement ceremony at Stadium Darul Aman here yesterday.

His blood-soaked sleeve caught the attention of Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

The Sultan of Kedah, who is the colonel-in-chief of the Royal Malay Army Regiment, greeted LCP Zamri at the end of the function shortly before the 29-year-old soldier was rushed to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital where he was warded for observation.

The Sultan had during the opening speech called on army personnel to remain strong.

Captain Adis Amzar Hazari regarded LCP Zamri of the Sixth Army Battalion, who suffered a 6cm-long cut on his upper arm, as a courageous soldier.

"An officer who noted the injury asked him to leave and seek treatment. But he refused to do so because he wanted to march till the end of the parade.

"It reflects the fighting spirit in us," said Cpt Adis Amzar.

Royal Malay Army regiment chairman Lt-Gen Datuk Wira Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the soldier had shown true grit.

"He refused to leave because he did not want to spoil the marching event. Willingness to make sacrifices reflects a soldier's spirit," he said.