Ex-Johor Bersatu Leader Seriously Injured In Accidental Self-shooting - Police

JOHOR BAHRU, April 29 (Bernama) -- Former Johor Bersatu associate wing chief Datuk Tan Lek Khang was seriously injured after he is believed to have accidentally shot himself in the chest at the Ladang Rem shooting range in Kota Tinggi yesterday.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said initial investigations found that Tan is believed to have shot himself while unloading his pistol shortly after completing a shooting training session.

He said the Kota Tinggi district police headquarters received a report on the incident involving the 40-year-old businessman at 3.30 pm yesterday.

“Based on witness statements, the victim was believed to be unloading his firearm, but there may still have been a round in the weapon, which resulted in a single accidental discharge towards himself.

“So we want to correct claims that the victim was shot by a friend. According to witnesses at the scene, the victim shot himself,” he said at a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.

Ab Rahaman said Tan, who lost consciousness immediately after the incident, was taken to Hospital Kota Tinggi before being transferred to Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI) for surgery and is now in stable condition.

According to him, Tan has been holding a valid firearms licence since 2022.

He said police instructors were not involved in the shooting training when the incident happened.

He added that statements have been recorded from nine witnesses present at the scene to assist in the investigation, namely five bodyguards, Tan’s 19-year-old stepson, an instructor and two of Tan’s friends. 

Two pistols, along with their magazines and ammunition, have been seized for forensic investigation and ballistic tests to determine the exact cause of the incident, and whether standard operating procedures were complied with.

The case is being investigated under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960 for causing injury with a firearm without lawful excuse and Section 337 of the Penal Code for causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety.

A Bernama check at HSI last night found that Tan’s political associates, including former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, as well as family members, were present at the hospital to visit him and get updates on his condition.

According to a statement on Tan’s official Facebook page, he is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further monitoring after undergoing a four-hour surgery yesterday to remove the bullet.

“His condition is gradually stabilising, and the family requests prayers from friends and those who know him,” the statement said.

On Feb 13, Tan announced his resignation as Johor Bersatu associate wing chief and Labis Bersatu division associate wing chief.

He also announced his exit from Bersatu after Hamzah was sacked by the party.

In the 2022 Johor state election, Tan contested the Bekok state seat under Perikatan Nasional but lost to Barisan Nasional.

-- BERNAMA