PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will fully cooperate with police investigating the alleged murder of two of its personnel, says Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.
The two deceased, Laskar Kelas 1 (Able Rate) Nik Muhammad Baihaqy Nik Mat, 28, and similarly ranked Muhammad Lailal Tuiman Mohd Sukri, 26, died at the navy detention centre in Sungai Wangi, Sitiawan on Friday (Sept 29) afternoon.
The Navy chief said the deaths were viewed seriously and they would not compromise or protect any personnel who had committed a crime.
"The RMN will fully cooperate and assist the investigation," he said in a statement on Sunday.
He added that Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor had expressed sadness and concern over the matter.
"RMN also sympathises with the deceased's families. We will assist family members from a welfare aspect," he added.
Admiral Ahmad Kamarulzaman said that they would ensure justice was upheld for the two personnel as their deaths also affected the image and integrity of the Navy.
He added that a Navy investigation board had convened, but it would not interfere with police investigations.
Three men have been remanded for seven days over the alleged murder.
The three men, aged 29, 37 and 44, were brought to the Manjung magistrate's court at 9am Sunday to be remanded.
Magistrate Nur Shaqira Ibrahim granted the remand order for the trio, which expires on Oct 7.
They were arrested at 9.30pm on Saturday.
Perak CID Chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Gan Tian Kee said all three were arrested at their workplace on Friday between 10am to 10pm.
Hishammuddin took to Twitter on Sunday to extend his personal 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.
"I have been consistent that no person will escape the law if they are found guilty. For now, let the police continue with their investigations," he tweeted.
The case was initially classified as sudden death, but was subsequently reclassified as murder following post-mortem reports which revealed signs of abuse and injuries on their bodies.
