Police suspect ex-lawmaker’s murder and cousin’s linked

Terengganu police chief says killings occurred on same date (August 9 and October 9) and shots were right on target.

KUALA TERENGGANU: Is the murder of former Alor Limbat assemblyman Alias Abdullah at his home in Kampung Alor Limbat on Friday, linked to the killing of his cousin in August?

This is one of the theories the police are working on as both men were shot dead at their home by what police suspect to be a contract killer.

Although the guns used in the incidents were of different makes, police have not ruled out the possibility the assassin was one and the same, said Terengganu police chief, Rosli Ab Rahman.

“We are investigating whether the shooting is linked to that of retired teacher Mat Jusoh Ali who was shot dead in August, who also happened to be Alias’ cousin.

“The shooting (of the former two-term assemblyman) had a motive and was probably planned for a month. There were no elements of robbery involved.

“Moreover, if we look at the two cases (killings), both occurred on the same date (August 9 and October 9)…and the shots were right on target.

“However, the dates of the deaths of the two cousins may just be a coincidence, and we have not identified those linked to the killings.

“Nevertheless, we have set up a team to probe into the shooting of the former state assemblyman,” he told a press conference here.

Mat Jusoh, 56, was shot dead from a distance at his home in Kampung Padang Midin, Kuala Terengganu at 7.15am on August 9.

Meanwhile, Rosli said statements had been recorded from 10 people who were mostly Alias’ family members, friends and neighbours.

“However, we have not recorded any statement from the victim’s wife because she is still in a state of trauma.

He urged those with information on the shooting of Alias, who was also a lawyer, to contact the nearest police station to facilitate investigations.

Meanwhile, Rosli said initial investigations revealed that Alias’ murder was not politically motivated.

He said while no specific motive for the killing had been established, the police did not rule out business rivalry, debts and the victim’s legal practice.

“We are studying and conducting a detailed investigation into all angles but we believe this incident is not related to politics.

On Friday, Alias, 51, was shot dead at close range at his house in Kampung Alor Limbat in Bukit Payong, Marang after returning from Friday prayers.

In the 2pm incident, the victim who was in the kitchen of his house was approached by an unknown man who fired a shot, hitting him in the left cheek.

A neighbour sent Alias to the Klinik Kesihatan Bukit Payung where he succumbed to the gunshot wound.

Rosli said the gunman, whom he described as “highly skilled” escaped on a motorcycle ridden by an accomplice.

– BERNAMA