The government will form an inquiry to investigate the reason behind the controversial granting of bail to a murder suspect in Seremban when such cases are non-bailable offences.

According to Nanyang Online , the inquiry will examine why the suspect, a prominent businessman, was given police bail, with it being extended twice.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Rais Yatim today announced that panel members of the inquiry will include judges as well as officials from the Attorney-General's chambers.

The report of the inquiry will be made public, Rais said.

Nanyang 's report quoted Rais as saying that after receiving complaints from the public, the government is very concerned about the murder case and regarded it as unusual. Hence, it has decided to set up an inquiry to allay public concerns.

The suspect, a prominent businessman and son of a tycoon, allegedly shot Seow Nam Keong, 27, a car accessories shop worker, in the neck over a parking dispute in front of a pub in Taman Thivy Jaya, Rasah, on Jan 14.

He 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 seven days, expiring today.

Rais pointed out that since it involved legal issues, the inquiry can only be established after the the police bail has expired. The police have extended bail for the suspect for another seven days this morning before Rais' announcement.

Terms of inquiry

The de facto law minister also said that the investigation included evaluating the procedure of the police investigation, exactly who had approved the bail, why the bail was granted, and the decision-making process in the AG's chambers.

The report today added that Rais urged all related parties not to draw any prior conclusion regarding the case and, instead, should wait for the result of inquiry.

He added that generally in murder cases, the AG's chambers will charge the suspect in court if there is enough evidence. However, if there is not enough evidence, the police will require more time for further investigation.

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