KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Major Mohd Zahir Armaya, who was killed during a shooting demonstration at the Lok Kawi Camp, here, this morning.
“We are very sad to receive the news. May his family find strength in these difficult times,” he said in a statement.
Mohamad also urged the public not to speculate on the incident until a post-mortem had been conducted, out of respect for his family.
In the 8.30am incident, it was learnt that Mohd Zahir, who was the son of veteran comedian AR Badul, was playing the character of a criminal during the demonstration, which was held in conjunction with the launch of the Fifth Division of the Malaysian Infantry and the 13th Malaysian Infantry Brigade.
During the demonstration, Mohd Zahir, equipped with a bullet vest and face mask, was seen facing a group of soldiers and firing a shot at them at close range. He then turned, his back towards them.
A soldier then fired a shot at Mohd Zahir, who fell on his back. Two soldiers then dragged him to the side.
According to members of the media who were covering the event, Mohd Zahir's colleagues checked on him but found him unconscious.
He was then brought to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His body was sent to the mortuary for a post-mortem.
