The son of the Kelantan palace guard who was shot by yet unknown assailants two weeks ago has expressed concern over his father’s safety.

Muhammad Faris Ramli, whose father Ramli Mohamad, 50, was shot four times on May 1 while on his way home after guard duty at Istana Mahkota in Kubang Kerian, said he fears for his parent despite round-the-clock security by police.

NONE Ramli, a former soldier, recently regained consciousness after falling into a coma following the shooting. He was still unable to speak when visited by Malaysiakini at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital ( left ) in Kota Bahru, Kelantan.

Muhd Faris expressed relief that his father’s condition was improving, though his right lung had been pierced by a bullet in the May 1 attack.

"The doctor said that my father will pull through because his lungs are strong although only one of them is functioning. My father does not smoke," said the second-year university student.

Muhd Faris said he was still worried, however, that his father could be targeted a second time.

"Of course, I’d be happy if he gets better but we are afraid that when people find out he’s gotten better and is able to speak, they’re going to look for him again.

"Maybe it will happen, maybe it won’t. That the police are here 24 hours a day so we feel a bit more secure," said the youngest of five siblings.

Relatives, friends visit

Police personnel were seen checking the identification of all visitors to Ramly’s ward.

Recommendations by police officers that the family keep a low media profile for the time being have not served to comfort them very much either, Muhd Faris said further.

"The police are worried lest we become targets as well. I myself do not want any more publicity than necessary, given that my father is trying to recover," he added.

azlan Muhd Faris said police had recorded his statement over his father’s ordeal. "The police asked me what I knew (of the incident), whom I’ve talked to and other such questions," he said.

"I was the first (family member) to have reached father at the hospital (after the attack)," he said further. Muhd Faris’s spirits visibly lifted as he spoke about the endless visits by relatives.

"My father has a lot of friends including those who worked with him at the palace. Many of them I do not know," he said with his eyes lighting up. The smile faded, however, when asked about the possible reasons for the attack.

"Father never told us about his work and his duties. We only know that he worked at the palace.

"For me, what is important is that my father recovers quickly. I don’t think about why (the attack occurred) or who was behind it. We’re only thinking about his recovery," he said.

At this point, the police are reported to have arrested a 40-year old male suspect, a local, to assist in further investigations.