Mat Sabu: Inquest call for commando killed in friendly fire will be raised

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said he will forward to "higher up" a request by 36-year-old Major Mohd Zahir Armaya's family for an inquest into his death after he was killed in friendly fire.

This is after Mohd Zahir's (photo) father AR Badul, a veteran actor, expressed unhappiness at the Malaysian Armed Forces' investigation board's finding that his death was due to a "training accident".

"With regard to the family's request for an inquest into the late Mohd Zahir's cause of death, the Defence Ministry will speed this matter higher up for consideration," he said.

Mohamad did not mention if the matter is being brought to the cabinet or the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, who is the head of the armed forces.

In the meantime, Mohamad said the Malaysian army will take disciplinary action against people involved in the incident and update its standard operating procedures as needed.

He added that his ministry is also backing for Mohd Zahir's posthumous promotion subject to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's approval.

The Malaysian Armed Forces chief Zulkifli Zainal Abidin had said Mohd Zahir's family have a right to demand an inquest.

Mohd Zahir was killed in a shooting demonstration turned tragic on Sept 4, at the Lok Kawi army camp in Sabah.

He was attached to the commando unit based at the Sungai Udang army camp in Malacca.

Mohd Zahir is survived by a widow and five children aged between five months and nine.