KUALA LUMPUR: He is an important figure who foiled an attempt by a group who called themselves Al-Maunah, which was out to topple the government through armed violence in Bukit Jenalik, Sauk, Perak in 2000.
He put his life on the line. The armed group's leader Mohamad Amin Mohamad Razali pointed a weapon at him during the operation before this person pushed it aside and warded off a stray missile.
This figure is former Army Field Commander Lt Jen (Rtd) Datuk Seri Zaini Mohd Said S.P., 78, who led Op Subuh to overpower the Al-Maunah without any bloodshed.
His extraordinary bravery is proof of his heroism to fight for his country.
He said he could not forget the incident throughout his 36 years of service in the Malaysian Armed Forces.
"It was a difficult operation because the group was quite aggressive and dangerous as they were armed themselves with thousands of 'stolen' ammunition from Teritorial Army 304 regiment camp in Gerik, Perak.
"But I was grateful we could fulfil the operation well with the help of the armed forces and the Royal Malaysia Police despite doing it in a very brief five-day period." he told Harian Metro.
Zaini said the success of the operation was meaningful because we could conquer Mohamad Amin, the Al-Maunah leader and his followers with their lives intact without bloodshed.
"When the incident shocked the nation there had been many controversies but until now, nobody knew the true strory.
"Despite it being 24 years ago, the incident needs to be known so that everyone, particularly the younger generation will know the history.
"This will allow them to appreciate contributions of heroes who risked their lives to defend the country, even when they had faced defeat in their struggle," he said.
When talking about the country's 67th year of independence, Zaini said he hoped Malaysia would continue to be peaceful with progress.
"I am very grateful because I am given an opportunity to live through another year of independence as I almost reach age 80.
"I have seen Malaysia's transition since Aug 31, 1957 until now in terms of development and we have achieved a lot of things and we are respected by other countries.
He said he was proud to be a Malaysian living in a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural country in harmony, despite the racial riot tragedy in May 13, 1969.
"I am also proud of because throughout my service with the armed forces, I defended the country when we faced the Confrontation with Indonesia, communist threat and enemis of the country."