The security forces in the Philippines have discovered a headless body suspected of belonging to Sarawakian engineer, Bernard Then Ted Fen, who was abducted by four armed men in Sandakan, Sabah, last May.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the body had been referred to Then's family last night (Monday) for identification purposes and further action.
However, Reezal Merican did not reveal when the Filipino security forces found the body. He said this when winding up the Supply Bill 2016 debate for his ministry at the Dewan Negara here Tuesday, while expressing his condolences to the family members of the victim.
It had been reported that Then, 39, was beheaded in a remote location considered to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines.
Then was abducted by a group of armed men at a seafood restaurant in Sandakan, Sabah on May 14, along with the restaurant manager, Thein Nyuk Fun, 50.
Thien however, was released on Nov 8. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Nov 18 mentioned on his Facebook and Twitter pages that Malaysia strongly condemned the killing of Then.
Reezal Merican explained that the Government of Malaysia through its enforcement agencies always enforced the law and regulations to defend the sovereignty, security and safety of its citizens as well as foreign tourists.
He pointed out that the acts of aggression and violence was not only criticised by Malaysia, but also the Philippines government.
"The government will not take lightly the issue of abductions, and will take appropriate action. "The government is also looking at approaches in the bilateral and multilateral-level to find solutions to issues that involve incursions and kidnappings," he added.
Bernama
Tue Dec 15 2015
It had been reported that Then, 39, was beheaded in a remote location considered to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines. - File photo
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.