GEORGETOWN: Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah shed tears as he spoke of slain firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, who died in the line of duty on Dec 17.
He said Muhammad Adib, who was carrying out his duties to the nation, unwittingly became a victim during the dark episode which took place at a temple in Seafield, Subang Jaya.
“The nation, regardless of race and religious beliefs; from the masses, leaders, palaces, all mourn over the fate which befell Muhammad Adib’s family.
“In the country’s name, I wish to express my condolences to Mohd Kassim Abdul Hamid (Adib’s father), Azma Aziz (mother), and Nurul Najihah (his fiancee), as well as the whole family on the tragic passing of Muhammad Adib,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin was speaking during the handing over of appointment letters to Penang Islamic Religious Council members on Friday.
Also present were Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman.
Sultan Nazrin stressed that justice must be served for Adib and that the authorities must spare no effort in finding the perpetrators.
“In upholding the truth, those who witnessed the incident have a religious responsibility, as well as moral and legal responsibilities to come forward to assist police investigations.
“A crime as heinous as this cannot go unpunished,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin also voiced his concern over the state of peace and harmony among the nation’s multi-cultural community, which has been in place since Independence. He said the country would continue to prosper and the citizens would continue living in harmony for as long as the law is respected.
On Nov 27, Adib and other rescuers from the Subang Jaya Emergency Response System (EMRS) unit were deployed to the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang to put out a vehicle fire.
However, Adib was dragged out of the vehicle and set upon by rioters.
He was later rescued by members the public who rushed him to the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) for treatment. He was later transferred to the IJN to receive further treatment.