Arab Malaysian Banking Group founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi shot dead in parking lot, wife survives

KUALA LUMPUR: Arab Malaysian Banking Group founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi was shot dead while his wife was seriously injured when they emerged from the Kuan Yin Temple in Lorong Ceylon Monday afternoon.

A gunman who crept from behind, fired randomly at Hussain Ahmad, 75, and his 49-year-old wife at close range, killing the renowned banker on the spot near a car park.

Police investigating the shooting of Hussain Ahmad Najadi.

The septuagenarian sustained two shots in the chest while his wife was hit in the left hand and right leg in the 2pm incident.

Initial police investigations revealed that the gunman was among three people who waited outside the temple for Hussain Ahmad, who was in a private discussion with a colleague involving a share transaction.

The gunman, who wore sports attire, dark glasses and a cap, was believed to have escaped in a taxi together with his accomplices.

Kuala Lumpur CID deputy chief ACP Khairi Ahrasa said the motive of the killing had yet to be established, but police believed it could be business-related.

He said the police were investigating the case for murder and attempted murder, adding that the gunman had approached Hussain Ahmad and his wife from behind, before firing at the couple in rapid succession.

"The victim was struck twice in the chest and died instantly, while his wife was hit on the left wrist and right thigh," he said.

The late Hussain Ahmad Najadi.

Khairi said the body was sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital while the deceased's wife was warded at the Tung Shin Hospital.

"Our initial investigations indicated that three men, aged between 35 and 40, had arrived outside the temple and waited for Hussain Ahmad and his wife while the banker was in a business discussion.

Meanwhile, a witness who wanted only to be known as Lim, said Hussain Ahmad was approached by a man from behind as he was leaving the temple.

"Suddenly, I heard gunshots...more than five shots were fired. The suspects then ran to the side of the temple and left in a taxi," said the 50-year-old when met by reporters at the scene of the shooting. - Bernama

Police investigating the shooting of AmBank founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi.