KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — The fatal shooting of PKR’s Bill Kayong in Sarawak puts national security and Malaysia’s gun laws in the spotlight, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) said.
In a statement, Amanah secretary-general Mohd Anuar Tahir said it was baffling how the “mafia-style” murder could take place when the country has such strict legislation on gun ownership.
“Amanah expresses concern over the apparent increase in such brutal high-profile murders in recent times. If this had happened in the US, it may not have been that surprising because their government policy permits citizens to own guns.
“But what is baffling is how these mafia-style murderers can operate in our country as though it were that simple to own a gun, when local laws are so restrictive when it comes to gun ownership,” he said.
He urged the police to conduct an immediate and thorough probe on Kayong’s murder this morning, saying the authorities must make sure to leave no stone unturned and look down “every wormhole” to ensure the killer is caught.
Putrajaya, in the meantime, should pay closer attention to security measures here to ensure the safety of Malaysians are well looked after, he said.
“Amanah would like to state its strong rejection to any act of violence by any party,” Mohd Anuar said.
“Although the political climate is always on the rise, the authorities should not allow such violence by permitting groups with racially-charged agendas (to) cause agitation to others or stage demonstrations,” he added.
Kayong, 43, was killed by an unknown person using a shotgun in a Toyota Hilux while at an intersection in Lutong, Miri, about 8.30am today.
The Miri PKR secretary’s death at the hands of an unknown shooter has since sparked condemnation and unease statewide, especially within the Dayak community.
Earlier Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) president Sidi Munan urged all Dayak NGOs to help the police by giving any information they have.
He said Kayong was a very vocal Dayak rights activist, helping the Dayak native land owners to fight against oil palm companies.
Police are currently investigating the killing under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.
Kayong was in the limelight recently through the May 7 Sarawak election when he took on and lost to Barisan Nasional’s direct candidate Rosey Yunus in the Bekenu state constituency. Kayong polled 1,200 votes against Rosey’s 6009 votes.
Two other candidates, independents Peter Jelin (565 votes) and Austin Sigi Melu (589 votes) lost their election deposits.
Within the political circle, Kayong was known as the personal secretary to Miri PKR MP Dr Michael Teo long before the 2013 general elections.
