Let the law take its course, says brother

“Let the law judge Hafizul’s actions. Our family leave it completely to the police to investigate the case,” said Hanif Hawari, the younger brother of Hafizul Hawari, the suspect in Sunday’s shooting at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Hanif said the arrest of Hafizul, 38, who had been on the run since the shooting at the airport’s Terminal 1 arrival hall, was a relief to his family, especially his mother, Hayati Bakri and father, Hawari Mohd Sihat, who had pleaded for Hafizul to surrender to the police.

He said since the news broke, the family had tried to contact Hafizul repeatedly, but calls and messages went unanswered.

“It is true that we were surprised by what Hafizul did, but what has happened had already happened. We have accepted this as a test from God, even though our mother and father are very sad to the extent that it’s affecting their health,” said Hanif.

“No matter what, our parents and us five brothers want Hafizul to be responsible for what he did. He cannot avoid facing the consequences of his actions.”

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had confirmed that Hafizul was arrested in Kota Baru about 3pm on Monday, just over 13 hours after the shooting.

Hanif, who is a religious teacher, said Hafizul’s arrest and the investigation carried out by the police will uncover the truth behind the incident that has left his family perplexed.

He said this was because Hafizul was a cheerful person and liked to joke around.

He said Hafizul’s actions in firing shots in an open place at the airport had surprised the family and his close friends.

“That is why after Hafizul escaped, we appealed to him to surrender to the police immediately. We will not protect him if he really committed the crime and this case needs to be resolved according to the law.

“The family knows that Hafizul, who has six children, was having problems with his wife, but we did not interfere in the matter because the couple’s relationship is good at times.

“So, we are confused as to what prompted him to act like that,” he said.