Malaysia condemns in strongest terms murder of Bernard Then Ted Fen - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms the murder of Malaysian Bernard Then Ted Fen, who was kidnapped by four armed men in southern Philippines last May.

"I, the government, and all Malaysians are shocked and sickened by the murder of our countryman Bernard Then and we condemn it in its strongest terms.

"We call upon authorities to take action against those who have perpetrated this savage and barbaric act and ensure that they are brought to justice," he said in his official Facebook and Twitter account today.

Najib said Malaysia would extend full cooperation to relevant agencies and authorities in charge on the investigation of this incident.

"Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family and friends," he said.

The Singapore Straits Times on its online news at www.straitstimes.com reported that "Brigadier-General Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu said Bernard Then was beheaded at around 4pm at a remote Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Jolo island in Sulu province, some 1,400km south of the capital Manila.

On May 14, a Malaysian woman Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, and electrical engineer Bernard Then Ted Fen, 39, were kidnapped by four armed men, who stormed the Ocean King Restaurant in Sandakan at 7.45pm.

On Nov 8, Thien, the restaurant manager, was released by the abductors following negotiation the Malaysian authorities and her captors.