PUTRAJAYA: For Sarjan Jafri Khairul Mohd Jaafar, playing the role of a national hero who was killed in combat with communist insurgents was not just about acting.
“This role is heavy. It’s not just acting. It’s a responsibility,” said the 44-year-old member of the elite VAT 69 Commando unit, reflecting on the experience of portraying the late Asst Supt Mohd Zabri Abdul Hamid in a pantomime held in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors’ Day ceremony yesterday.
Sgt Jafri Khairul, who has served with the special forces based at the Sultan Nazrin Shah Camp in Ulu Kinta for two decades, admitted that he did not expect the task of performing in the pantomime to be so emotionally overwhelming and touching.
“ASP Mohd Zabri is not just a figure in our unit’s history. He’s a legend and playing him reminded me of my late comrade, ASP Zulkifli Mamat,” he told Bernama, his voice breaking as he fought back tears.
He said he was present during the bloody Lahad Datu incident on March 1, 2013, which claimed the lives of ASP Zulkifli and nine other security personnel, adding that the tragedy remains etched in his memory.
“When I stepped onto the stage, I didn’t see the lights or the audience. All I saw were the faces of those who are no longer with us,” he said quietly.
The pantomime titled Zabri, Pejuang Sang Saka Biru (Zabri, Warrior of the Blue Banner) by the police took the audience through the heroic tales of VAT 69 commando ASP Mohd Zabri.
The 15-minute performance portraying the struggles of ASP Mohd Zabri, famed as the legendary wielder of Kerambit Kembar (twin curved knife), was brought to life by 142 police officers and personnel.
It was followed by a video, which was creatively produced by the Royal Malaysia Police team using 80% artificial intelligence technology to illustrate the true story.
ASP Mohd Zabri, who was on a mission to pursue and stop the insurgents from escaping across the border, had stepped on a booby trap. The explosion severed his right ankle, causing massive blood loss.
Before drawing his last breath, ASP Mohd Zabri delivered a final message to his men, urging them to continue the mission of hunting down and defeating the nation’s enemies, even in his absence.
