Feared cop: SAC Zulkifli served with distinction in the Special Branch, before retiring in 2017 as the Esscom intelligence chief.
KOTA KINABALU: Zulkifli Abdul Aziz is a face and name largely unknown to Malaysians.
But the retired senior assistant commissioner of police is a “legend” in the intelligence circle with his work in countering terrorism, kidnappings, and other crimes, particularly on Sabah’s east coast.
SAC Zulkifli died on Tuesday night at the Teluk Intan Hospital in Perak, where he was admitted on June 1 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Kampung Sungai Tungku that left him unconscious. He was 64.SAC Zulkifli’s passing shocked 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 worked closely with Zulkifli when he was director of the police’s Special Branch, said the deceased contributed hugely to Sabah.
“Words are insufficient to describe the immense contribution of SAC Zulkifli to the security of Sabah.
“A gallant and brave special branch officer, he was known for his dedication, brilliant tactics, and excellent negotiation skills.“He had helped save several victims from kidnapping. Despite all his contributions, he remained humble and shunned publicity,” Hamid said.
SAC Zulkifli, who retired as intelligence chief of Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in 2017, continued to be active in intelligence work for the country.Over the years, he 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.
He was most known for going into 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 of the village in Lahad Datu.
Retired 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 to his job. He was also extremely calm when it came to crisis management and solving problems that arose.
“He had a sharp mind that could contribute to ‘perfect and effective’ decision-making. He was operationally 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 he carried his comrades’ mutilated bodies, went for 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.
“I did it out of responsibility and loyalty to 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 fear. You are paid to do the job, so you must do it,” he said.
SAC Zulkifli, who remained a bachelor, said if everyone, especially leaders and security forces, practised and believed in the first Rukun Negara, which is Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Belief in God), then they would be fine in all that they did.
He returned to be with his family in Teluk Intan, Perak, sometime in 2021 and often joked with friends that he was now a mere “farmer”.
