KOTA KINABALU: Zulkifli Abdul Aziz is a name unknown to most Malaysians.
But the retired senior assistant commissioner of police is a legend in intelligence circles with his work in counter-terrorism, kidnappings and a host of other crimes, particularly in Sabah's east coast.
SAC Zulkifli passed away on Tuesday (June 6) night at the Teluk Intan Hospital in Perak where he was admitted on June 1 following a heart attack at his home in Kg Sungai Tungku that left him unconscious.
He was 64.
His passing came as a shock to many of his fellow police officers who saw him as one of the finest intelligence officers in the force.
Former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Hamid Bador, who had worked with him closely when he was special branch director, said SAC Zulkifli contributed hugely to the security of Sabah.
"Words are insufficient to describe the immense contribution of SAC Zulkifli to the security of Sabah.
"He was a gallant and brave special branch officer known for his dedication and a brilliant tactician who possessed excellent negotiation skills.
"He had helped save several kidnap-for-ransom victims. Despite all his contributions, he remained humble and shunned publicity," Hamid said.
SAC Zulkifli, who retired as the intelligence chief of Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in 2017, continued to be active in intelligence work for the country.
Over the years, he had built strong and personal relationships with fellow officers in the Philippines that helped both countries neutralise threats from Abu Sayyaf militants, cross-border kidnappers and Sulu militants.
SAC Zulkifli is best known for going into the Tanduo village to negotiate with Sulu militants led by self-proclaimed Sulu crown prince Agbimuddin Kiram in February 2013. The militants were eventually flushed out from the village in Lahad Datu.
Retired former Sabah commissioner of police Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, who worked closely with SAC Zulkifli described him as a "special breed of policeman".
"He was a very special cop because he had the courage, drive and high dedication towards his job. He was also extremely calm when it came to crisis management.
"He had a sharp mind vital for 'perfect and effective' decision making. He was operation-oriented and this was his gift.
"The intelligence he shared was always useful and helped in the success of operations conducted. The police force and the nation have lost a gem in the security intelligence field. To me, he is an unsung hero. I truly appreciate his contributions," said Rashid who had also served as the first Esscom commander when it was set up on April 1, 2013.
In a rare interview with The Star in 2020, SAC Zulkifli said that he had carried his comrades' mutilated bodies, was involved in numerous negotiations with militants and kidnappers, and dealt with pirates when no one else wanted the job to name a few, all for one reason – responsibility.
"Why I did it is because of responsibility and loyalty to the King and country. When we joined the force, we swore to protect the nation.
"Of course we are afraid, being courageous does not mean not being afraid, but it's how you conquer your fear. You are paid to do the job so you must do it," he said.
SAC Zulkifli, who was unmarried, said if everyone especially leaders and security forces practised and believed the first Rukun Negara which is Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Believe in God), then they would be alright in all that they do.
SAC Zulkifli went back to be with his family in Teluk Intan sometime in 2021 and often joked with friends that he was now a "farmer."
