Six years on, major’s family sues Armed Forces, ex-Army Chief over fatal Lok Kawi Camp demo shooting
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 31 — The family of the late Major Mohd Zahir Armaya has initiated legal proceedings against nine defendants, including former Army Chief General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain and the Malaysian Armed Forces, over his death during a military demonstration.
Family counsel Datuk Ansari Abdullah confirmed that High Court proceedings commenced on Monday, with claims filed by the late officer’s mother, father and sibling.
Zahir died on September 4, 2019 whilst performing a demonstration at the Lok Kawi Camp involving live bullets.
“The family has filed a suit seeking court orders on three grounds — negligence, reckless conduct and breach of statutory duty — under the law,” Ansari told reporters following Tuesday’s proceedings at the Kota Kinabalu Court.
“Should the court accept these claims, they are also seeking damages for the death of the late Zahir, who was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Colonel,” he said.
The lawsuit targets multiple parties, including the individual who fired the shot, commanding officers, the Armed Forces chief, police for allegedly failing to conduct proper investigations and take appropriate action, and a hospital accused of not providing cooperation.
Addressing why legal action was only filed years after the incident, Ansari said it was still within the statutory time limit.
“We filed within three years, which is the legal deadline. The case was initially assigned to a judge who has since been unwell, so High Court Judge Alexander Siew How Wai has taken over,” he said.
Seven witnesses are expected to testify, with the deceased’s uncle already having given evidence. However, the legal team is still searching for another witness who trained with Zahir before the demonstration.
Ansari left the determination of compensation to the court’s discretion. Proceedings are expected to continue until Friday.
For the record, Mohd Zahir, 36, son of veteran actor A R Badul, died after being shot during a demonstration marking the launch of the Fifth Infantry Division and 13th Infantry Brigade at the Lok Kawi Camp six years ago.
