Spectators did not expect tragedy at armed forces demonstration

KOTA KINABALU (Bernama): Spectators, including members of the media, who witnessed the launch of the Fifth Division Infantry and 13th Infantry Brigade at Lok Kawi Camp near here Wednesday (Sept 4) morning did not expect the demonstration to end in a tragedy that took the life of a commando.

As announced by the MC, the gimmick saw a clash between a group of terrorists with the armed forces using "live" bullets as the last item on the programme to show security forces defeating a terrorist group.

All were wearing bullet-proof vests while acting in the demonstration.

A member of 11th Regiment special unit, Major Mohd Zahir Armaya played the role of the terrorist leader.

The Bernama reporter covering the event saw Mohd Zahir firing a shot from a pistol at an army officer, causing him to fall to his knees in pain.

After that, the officer stood up and fired a shot using a pistol at Mohd Zahir, who had a red liquid bottle target on back of his bullet-proof vest.

The shot caused Mohd Zahir to fall and two army personnel then pulled him to the side of the parade field.

Mohd Zahir appeared unconscious and was believed to have sustained serious injuries.

An army medical team at the event provided first aid before sending the victim to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.

Mohd Zahir was pronounced dead at the hospital at about 9.20am Wednesday. - Bernama