Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg
KUCHING: News that PKR Miri branch secretary Bill Kayong was murdered yesterday came as a shock to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
When informed of the unfortunate incident by reporters during a press conference at his office at Wisma Sultan Tengah here yesterday, he immediately expressed his sympathy.
“We are sad to hear what has occurred in Miri and we do not know what is the intention or motive behind this incident,” he told reporters.
However, Abang Johari, who is also Housing and Urbanisation Minister, opined that the incident may not be politically motivated.
“It’s best not to speculate and to leave this to the police to carry out the investigation,” he said.
Bill, who was PKR’s candidate for Bekenu in the last state election, was shot dead by an unknown person while waiting in his pickup truck at a traffic light intersection in Lutong, Miri yesterday morning.
The 43-year-old was believed to be travelling from his home in Senadin to his office in Permyjaya.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Solidarity Rosey Yunus hoped that the culprit who carried out such a heinous crime would be brought to justice soon.
“It’s sad to hear what has happened and I would like to express my condolence to Bill’s family,” she told The Borneo Post when contacted.
The Bekenu assemblywoman, who contested against Bill in a four-cornered fight in the last state election, urged the people not to speculate on the case.
“For the time being, we should let the police investigate. Let’s not speculate.”