Sarawak opposition politician shot dead

​A politician from Malaysia's opposition Parti Keadlian Rakyat (PKR) was shot dead in Sarawak on Tuesday (Jun 21), local media reported. 

Bill Kayong, who contested the Bekenu seat in the recent Sarawak polls, was shot as he stopped his truck near a busy intersection in Senadin, about 20km away from Miri, Sarawak's second biggest city, The Star newspaper reported. 

PKR issued a statement saying it was "shocked by the murder" of Mr Kayong, who was also the political secretary of Miri MP Michael Teoh. 

Miri deputy police chief superintendent Stanley Johanthan Ringgit confirmed the incident, but could not provide details as investigation was in progress.

Mr Kayong lost to Barisan Nasional candidate Rosey Yunus in the four-cornered fight for the Bekenu seat.

"Bill Kayong was a committed activist who believed in the Reformasi agenda and was someone who had the issues of Sarawakians close to his heart," said PKR in its statement on the shooting. 

"The motive for the shooting remains unclear and we urge everyone to let the authorities carry on with their investigation. We hope that whoever is responsible for this murder is caught quickly and brought to justice."