KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 – Arab-Malaysian Banking Group founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi was gunned down in cold blood, while his wife was seriously injured when they emerged from the Kuan Yin Temple in Lorong Ceylon this afternoon.

A gunman who crept from behind, fired randomly at Hussain Ahmad, 75, and his 49-year-old wife at close range, killing the renowned banker on the spot near a car park.

The septuagenarian sustained two shots in the chest while his wife was hit in the left hand and right leg in the 2pm incident.

Initial police investigations revealed that the gunman was among three people who waited outside the temple for Hussain Ahmad who was in a private discussion with a colleague involving a share transaction.

The gunman, who wore sports attire, dark glasses and a cap, was believed to have escaped in a taxi, together with his accomplices.

Kuala Lumpur CID deputy chief ACP Khairi Ahrasa said, while the motive of the killing had yet to be established, the police believed it could be business-related.

He said the police were investigating the case for murder and attempted murder, adding that the gunman had confronted Hussain Ahmad and his wife from behind, before firing at the couple in rapid succession.

“The victim (Hussain Ahmad) was struck twice in the chest and died instantly, while his wife was hit on the left wrist and right thigh,” he said when contacted.

Khairi said the body was sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital while the deceased’s wife was warded at the Tung Shin Hospital.

“Our initial investigations indicated that three men, aged between 35 and 40, had arrived outside the temple and waited for Hussain Ahmad and his wife while the banker was in a business discussion.”

Meanwhile, a witness who wanted only to be known as Lim, said Hussain Ahmad was approached by a man from behind as he was leaving the temple.

“Suddenly, I heard gunshots... more than five shots were fired. The suspects then ran to the side of the temple and left in a taxi,” said the 50-year-old when met by reporters at the scene of the shooting. – Bernama