Cops say it’s murder
> Suspects remanded over detainees’ death
LUMUT: Three navy guards at the naval detention centre in Sungai Wangi in Sitiawan, Perak have been arrested by police over the death of two detainees last Friday after police classified the case as murder.
Perak CID chief SAC Datuk Gan Tian Kee said the trio, aged 29, 37 and 44, were picked up on Saturday at 9.30pm and remanded until Oct 7 to facilitate investigations.
He said post-mortem reports from Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital showed both detainees died from injuries caused by blunt trauma.
Police have recorded statements from 11 guards, seized seven batons, log books and handphones as part of their investigations.
Nik Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28, and Muhammad Lailatuliman Mohd Syukri, 26, who were under detention, died in the incident.
Nik Muhammad Baihaqy was on a 45-day detention after being found guilty under Section 58 of the Armed Forces Act 1972 for failure to perform duties.
Muhammad Lailatuliman was under detention for failing to report for duty without prior leave approval.
The men, with Able Seaman rank, were not friends and served in different units.
Meanwhile, navy chief Laksamana Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the navy’s board of inquiry had started investigations to determine whether the standard operating procedure (SOP) was followed during the detention of the two men who were reportedly healthy.
He said the five-member board, headed by a navy captain, has started its inquiry.
“It will look at all aspects of the SOP and also its validity. For now the detention centre will function as usual.”
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein took to Twitter to extend his condolences to the families of the deceased.
“I have instructed the RMN to provide its full cooperation to the police in their investigations. Nothing will be hidden. That is my promise,” he tweeted.
The remains of Muhammad Lailatuliman and Nik Muhammad Baihaqy were buried in a military ceremony at the Rantau Panjang Muslim cemetery and Kampung Limbat Muslim cemetery in Pasir Tumboh near Kota Baru, respectively yesterday.