VIP's son torches himself

KUALA LUMPUR - "See you on the other side." The grim line was believed to have been the last text message sent out by the son of a VIP, just before he torched himself to death at his family home in Taman Tun Dr Ismail here yesterday.

The 20-year-old, who is the son of a prominent Tan Sri, is believed to have poured petrol and set himself ablaze.

It was learnt that the victim, back home on holiday from his studies in New Zealand, had returned home at 4am after seeing a friend.

He was believed to have obtained some petrol and went straight to his room.

Later, his mother, who was sleeping, smelled smoke and saw it coming out of her son's room.

Rushing to his room, she was horrified to find her son's charred body on his room's balcony.

It was learnt that the victim had got into a fight with his friend prior to his death.

It was learnt that the victim had been home for his holiday since Nov 19.

Sources claimed that a check on his mobile phone showed a text message sent out to an individual, which said "See you on the other side".

Brickfields police chief Assistant Commissioner Azlee Abdullah confirmed the incident.