Mat Sabu pledges action against those involved in commando’s death

Major Mohd Zahir Armaya of 11th Special Forces was shot with a live bullet and died during a demonstration exercise.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Army’s investigation board will take disciplinary action against those involved in the death of a commando, Major Mohd Zahir Armaya, during a demonstration exercise on Sept 4.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu also said the ministry would take to the higher level a request by Zahir’s family for an inquest to find the cause of death.

The ministry would also update standard procedures on training if required.

“The defence ministry also supported the late Mohd Zahir’s posthumous promotion to Lieutenant Colonel as decided during the 578th Armed Forces Council which convened on Sept 17, subject to the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong ” he said in a statement today.

Mohamad, who is better known as Mat Sabu, added that he was informed by the army’s investigation board that the incident was an isolated case and classified as a training accident.

Zahir, 36, a commando with the 11th Special Forces Regiment, died after he was believed to have been accidentally shot during a gimmick launching of the Fifth Division of the Malaysian Infantry Regiment and the 13th Brigade of the Malaysian Infantry at Lok Kawi, Sabah, on Sept 4. - FMT