KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Dr Zulhasnan Rafique may be better known as former Federal Territories minister and the former Malaysian ambassador to the United States, who served as an elected representative between 1999 and 2013.
However, not many know that the Setiawangsa Barisan Nasional parliamentary seat candidate is also a former fighter pilot, who flew strike missions against communist insurgents.
Zulhasnan served with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) between 1973 and 1985, holding the rank of major before retirement.
He proved his prowess as a pilot when he became the first non-Briton to win the Central Flying School Trophy when training at Royal Air Force Leeming, the United Kingdom.
Former RMAF pilot Brigadier General (Rtd) Datuk Abdullah Mohamad described Zulhasnan as a devoted and passionate pilot.
He said Zulhasnan was involved in operations against the communists when the RMAF was tasked with close air support missions in support of the army.
Former RMAF chief General (Rtd) Tan Sri Rodzali Daud described Zulhasnan as a “stick-and-rudder” pilot, who could handle an aircraft in any circumstance.