Kuala lumpur: For Sergeant Jafri Khairul Mohd Jaafar, playing the role of a national hero who was killed in combat with communist insurgents was not just 'acting', it was more of a responsibility.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jafri Khairul, 44, a member of the elite VAT 69 Commando unit, reflected on the experience of portraying ASP Mohd Zabri Abdul Hamid in a pantomime held in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors' Day ceremony. He described the role as heavy and emphasized that it was not just acting but a responsibility. Jafri Khairul, who has served with the special forces based at 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 deeply touching.
'Mohd Zabri is not just a figure in our unit's history. He's a legend, and playing his role reminded me of my late comrade, ASP Zulkifli Mamat,' he shared, his voice breaking as he fought back tears. He recounted being present during the bloody Lahad Datu incident on March 1, 2013, which claimed the lives of Zulkifli and nine other security personnel, noting that the tragedy remains etched in his memory.
When Jafri Khairul stepped onto the stage, he said he didn't see the lights or the audience. Instead, he envisioned the faces of those who were no longer with them. The pantomime titled 'Zabri, Pejuang Sang Saka Biru' by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) took the audience through the heroic tales of VAT 69 commando ASP Mohd Zabri.
Performed by 142 PDRM officers and personnel, the 15-minute performance portrayed the struggles of Mohd Zabri, famed as the legendary wielder of 'Kerambit Kembar' (twin curved knife). It was followed by a video creatively produced using 80 percent artificial intelligence (AI) technology by the PDRM team to illustrate the true story.
Mohd Zabri, on a mission to pursue and stop insurgents from escaping across the border, stepped on a booby trap resulting in an explosion that severed his right ankle, causing massive blood loss. Before drawing his last breath, 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.