TELUK INTAN: The gunman who shot Sub-Inspector Abu Hashim Ismail, 54, in Kedah on Friday night was hired by a triad, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed today.
Zahid, who is Home Minister, said police have launched a manhunt for the assassin, believed to be a foreigner, and his accomplices who are still at large.
Three men have been detained so far to facilitate the murder investigations.
"Sub-inspector Abu Hashim who was attached with Bukit Aman (Anti-vice, Gaming and Secret Society Department) was still on duty despite being on leave before his retirement.
"The police are working with (their counterparts in) neighbouring countries through the Mutual Legal Assistance treaty (between two or more countries for the purpose of gathering and sharing of information).
"We will not leave any stones unturned until culprits are caught and prosecuted.
"I would like to extend my condolences to the wife and family of the victim and assist them," he told a press conference after opening the Teluk Intan Umno division delegates meeting today.
Prior to the 10.25pm incident, the victim was reported to have gone to the house of an informant to gather information on smuggling and underworld activities in the Bukit Kayu Hitam area.
A gunman suddenly appeared and fired six shots from outside the main gate killing the victim on the spot.
Police believed the killing was linked to the operations currently being conducted under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) in the area.
On a separate matter, Zahid urged all quarters to set aside differences and support Malaysian athletes competing in the KL Sea Games 2017.
He also congratulated the Youth and Sports Ministry and those involved in the successful opening ceremony and hoped that the Malaysian team would achieve the targetted 111 gold medals in the event.