KUALA LUMPUR – A 29-year-old Malaysian pharmacist working in Melbourne, Australia, was allegedly murdered by a man believed to be suffering from schizophrenia.

       Australia’s 7News network reported that Mr Leong Kum Chuan, who had worked at a public health services company since 2021, was found dead by a colleague at his house at about 11.30am on Oct 23.

       The colleague had gone to look for Mr Leong when he failed to show up for work.

       The news outlet said a 54-year-old homeless man has been detained in connection with the case and subsequently charged in court the next day with Mr Leong’s murder.

       The network reported that the suspect, identified as Simon Hunter, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrate’s court via video link from his cell at the Heidelberg police station.

       He had been deemed unfit for police interview and concerns were raised about his behaviour since his detention.

       During the court proceeding, the man took his clothes off before Magistrate Tara Hartnett, who then directed remand staff to move him to a room where she could communicate with him.

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       “I’m not dealing with an accused person looking through a cell door. This is not satisfactory,” she said.

       The hearing was temporarily delayed until Hunter reappeared and spoke incoherently.

       Lawyer Georgia Karvela told the court that her client suffers from schizophrenia and had not taken his medication for two weeks.

       Meanwhile, Mr David Plunkett, the chief executive of Eastern Health, Mr Leong’s employer, said Mr Leong would be remembered for his generous nature.

       “It is with great sadness that Eastern Health acknowledges the shocking death of our friend and colleague Kum Chuan ‘KC’ Leong,” Mr Plunkett told the Australian media.

       He said Mr Leong was a talented leader and mentor to many of the company’s emerging pharmacists.

       “He will be remembered for his passion, kindness and dedication to his team and the broader community.

       “KC was just 29 years old, and this tragedy will be felt by many.

       “Given the sensitive nature of this matter, we ask you to respect the privacy of his family, friends and colleagues at this time,” he said.

       It was also reported that Mr Leong’s family flew into Melbourne from Malaysia on Oct 24, but did not attend the court hearing.

       Hunter is set to return to court on Jan 16, 2025. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK