KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — Sarawak businessman Datuk Stephen Lee Chee Kiang was charged with abetting in the murder of Miri PKR secretary Bill Kayong at the magistrate’s court in Miri today.

The Star Online reported that the businessman, suspected as the mastermind behind the high-profile killing, was brought to the court under heavy police escort.

The charge sheet reportedly stated that Lee, together with Lie Chang Loon, Chin Wui Chung as well as another person who is still on the loose, had on June 21 at the traffic light near E-Mart at Kuala Baram abetted Mohamad Fitri Pauzi in commissioning Kayong’s murder.

No plea was recorded and the court has fixed December 30 for mention.

The offence carries the mandatory death penalty.

Lee left the country days after Kayong was gunned down while he was in his Toyota Hilux vehicle at a traffic intersection in Jalan Kuala Baram near Lutong, Miri, on June 21.

Two suspects arrested in connection with Kayong’s murder were charged in the magistrate’s court last July.

Mohamad Fitri Pauzi, 29, was charged with the murder near E-Mart Supermarket at Jalan Miri-Bintulu.

The other, Lie Chang Loon, 37, was charged with abetting Mohamad in the killing. No pleas were recorded from the accused.

Kayong was actively involved in fighting for native land rights in the state.