The controversial police bail of a murder suspect in Seremban has been extended for another seven days, police said this morning despite public outrage over the bail since a murder case is not a bailable offence and the suspect a son of an influential tycoon.

Negeri Sembilan CID chief Asst Comm Kamarulzaman Itam told malaysiakini that the Attorney-General Chambers had given instructions that the suspect be granted bail for another seven days.

"The extension is to facilitate further investigation into the case," said Kamarulzaman.

The victim Seow Nam Keong, 27, a car accessory shop worker, was allegedly shot in the neck over a parking dispute in front of a pub in Taman Thivy Jaya, Rasah, on Jan 14.

The suspect, a prominent businessman and son of a tycoon who is a Datuk (a royalty or government- bestowed title), was granted police bail of RM100,000 with two sureties at the Magistrate's Court on Jan 27.

His bail was further extended on Feb 12 for another seven days, and expired today.

'Special treatment'

On Feb 14, New Straits Times reported Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Rais Yatim as saying that he would personally look into the case.

A murder case offence is non-bailable, he said, adding that he could not understand why the suspect, a 42-year-old businessman, who was being investigated by the police, was freed.

"I will take up this case with the (AG) Chambers personally. There seems to be special treatment for the suspect and the question is why," said Rais.

"We will check who (from the Chambers) gave the directive for the suspect to be freed on bail and when the directive was issued. I will get to the bottom of things," said Rais.