Razak, a member of the elite police VAT69 unit, sat down with Al-Maunah leader Amin Razali at the group’s base in Bukit Jenalik, near Kuala Kangsar.

His mission: to negotiate a peaceful surrender.

Members of the group had infiltrated an army camp in Gerik, Perak, on July 2, 2000. They seized hundreds of weapons and ammunition as they plotted a violent coup. They also took several hostages.

The fate of the hostages was in Razak’s hands.

“Throughout the negotiation, Amin avoided direct eye contact with me and on numerous occasions claimed that he was more knowledgeable on religious matters,” Razak told FMT.

“It was a lengthy discussion,” he said, recalling the two-and-a-half hours he spent with the terrorist leader. “We debated about his radical interpretation of Islam, the government and his mission which had put many lives at risk.”

A certified negotiator, Razak remained calm throughout the meeting. He was prepared for the worst but he was confident he would win the battle of wits.

“It was under control even though it got a little heated at times.”

To Razak’s relief, Amin eventually agreed to surrender. However, his surrender was not without incident.

Razak said Amin was involved in a scuffle with army field commander Zaini Said just before the soldiers – who had camped outside the Al-Maunah’s hideout for four days – stormed into its stronghold.

Amin and his two right-hand men were subsequently sentenced to death after being convicted for treason. They were hanged in 2006. Six of the men were jailed for 10 years on a lesser charge, while the rest were detained under the Internal Security Act.

Two hostages were killed – a police detective, R Sanghadevan, and an army commando, Mathew Medan.

Razak’s bravery and success in crippling the terror group earned him the country’s highest gallantry award – the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa in 2000.

Razak brushed off the accolades and said he was merely the right person, at the right place and time. “There are other people, past and present, who have made bigger sacrifices than me. My contribution is small compared to theirs,” he said.

Asked if he feared for his life during the negotiation, Razak said it never crossed his mind. “I am always ready to die for the country.”

Razak retired from the police force last month, which means the men in blue no longer have an active recipient of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa award among them.

As the force celebrates its 216th Police Day, Razak reminds its members to be sincere. Policemen need to put their “heart and soul into their work” or risk giving in to greed and corruption, he said.

“You will also not find happiness when you constantly chase after power, money, and materials because you will never feel you have enough of those things,” Razak said.