VAT 69 commandoes’ families proud of their sacrifices

IPOH: The families of the two Very Able Troopers (VAT) 69 commandoes, who were killed during the Lahad Datu intrusion and Semporna gunfight, are happy that their sacrifices were not in vain.

Asst Supt Zulkifli Mamat and Sjn Sabarudin Daud both died in the line of duty, defending the country from intruders in 2013.

ASP Zulkifli’s mother Khalipah Mahamedisa said she was proud that the memories of both commandoes still live on among the police force.

Khalipah, 61, said his children knew of their father’s sacrifice and that they missed him very much.

He is survived by three sons, Noor Aqmar Amirudin Zulkifli, 11, Noor Mohd Aqil, seven, and Noor Aqib Shahid, six.

“The two eldest still asked questions about their late father.

“His youngest son was not born yet at the time of his death,” she told reporters when met during the remembrance ceremony of the intrusion incident at the General Operation Force headquarters in Ulu Kinta yesterday.

Both ASP Zulkifli and Sjn Sabarudin, along with six other policemen, died during the intrusion.

Khalipah said her daughter-in-law has re-married but has not forgotten him.

“We will take care of the children as best as we could,” she said.

Sjn Sabarudin’s son Haziq Wahiduzzaman Sabarudin, 25, said he was touched that his father was still very much remembered after six years.

“I had to hold back my tears when his photograph came up during the screening of a video,” he said.

The ceremony was held for the first time and was also part of the VAT 69’s 50th anniversary celebration, with more events to be held in October.

Former top cop Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the younger generation should always be reminded of the sacrifices by the security forces and not to take the country’s peace and security for granted.

“We are sad but also proud of their fighting spirit.

“It also gives confidence to the people that our security forces are capable of facing any threats,” he said.

Ismail reminded the police force, especially the VAT 69, to continue serving the country and not be complacent.

“They should always be ready and use their experiences to face any challenges,” he said.