1st LD: Palestinian electrical engineer shot to death in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian police said on Saturday that a 35-year-old Palestinian man, who is reported to be an electrical engineer and had lived in Kuala Lumpur for more than 10 years, was shot to death near his residence early in the morning by two unidentified gunmen.

Kuala Lumpur police said in a statement that the man was gunned down by two gunmen in a motorbike who ambushed him with more than 10 bullets. The victim was believed to be going to attend the morning prayer.

Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Anwar H. Al Agha identified the man as Fadi M. R. Albatsh, a mosque imam and also a university lecturer, Malaysian newspaper the New Straits Times reported.

Citing CCTV footage, the report also said the two gunmen, both wearing helmets, arrived at the scene and waited for the victim for some 20 minutes before carrying out the attack.

The ambassador said Fadi was supposed to leave for Turkey to attend a conference later on Saturday.

Hamas, the Palestinian political organization, confirmed in a statement on its website that the victim was a Hamas member, known for "his scientific innovation as he has attended many international conferences on energy in Japan, UK (Britain) and Finland."

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, when attending a public event on Saturday, told reporters that he learnt from police that Fadi was "an expert in electrical engineering and (building) rocket," according to the New Straits Times.

"His killing could have some links with foreign intelligence agencies or he may also be considered a liability to nations unfriendly to Palestine," Zahid said, adding if necessary, Malaysian police may also seek the help of Interpol, Aseanpol and other related agencies.

The police said investigation is ongoing. Enditem