Deputy Chief Minister James Masing said the State Government was very concerned over the incident and wished to see those responsible brought to justice.
“Regardless of political considerations, we do not condone this sort of senseless violence,” he was quoted by The Star as saying after visiting Kayong’s family yesterday.
“We cannot speculate on whether this case is related to politics or land issues since this will be up to the police to find out. But one thing is for sure, we do not want this sort of crime in our state.
“The State Government offers our condolences to the family and we will do what we can to assist if they need our help,” added Masing, who is also the president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the Borneo Post reported that Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) Youth leader and Federal Works Minister Fadillah Yusof expressed shock and sadness over the fatal shooting which took place on Tuesday.
“Irrespective of political inclination, I unreservedly condemn such criminal acts,” he said, appealing to any member of the public who might have witnessed the incident to assist the police in their probe.
Another PBB veteran, Peter Minos, said the broad daylight murder showed that many of those who had spoken up on issues surrounding the Dayaks, among other issues, were also not safe.
“Whatever his political leaning and whatever cause he fought for, nobody has any right to murder him.
“Let there be justice. It is a really sad day for a fallen Dayak member and may Bill Kayong rest in peace.”
Kayong, who contested in Bekenu for PKR in the recent Sarawak election, was shot dead near the Emart One-Stop shopping mall in Senadin, Miri.
The 43-year-old was an advocate of social issues in the state, especially on native customary rights land, which he talked of at length in his election campaign.