ALOR STAR: Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said this yesterday, but added that no arrest had been made.

However, it is not known whether Johari meant that investigators had managed to put a name to the photofit of the suspect issued on Friday as he declined further comment.

In Segamat, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said Krishnasamy, who was the Tenggaroh state assemblyman, had received threatening telephone calls for a week before he was shot dead on Friday.

However, he added that, Krishnasamy had said he did not take the threats seriously.

"I told him to be careful. That is all I can say. It is normal for politicians to get threatening phone calls.

"I, too, receive such calls from time to time. But I don't mind. If we are afraid of such things, it's better to quit and stay at home," he said.

Krishnasamy, 61, was at the Johor MIC headquarters on Friday to attend a meeting when a man shot him at close range while he was in the lift.

In an immediate reaction, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said a special task force comprising federal and state criminal investigation department officers, would interview the MIC president regarding his claims that Krishnasamy had received threats over the phone.

"We are looking at all possible angles in this investigation. We will meet him (Samy Vellu) on his statement," he said after visiting the state police headquarters.

Samy Vellu blamed lax security at the Johor MIC headquarters for Krishnasamy's murder.

He said Krishnasamy's murderer would not have been able to gain entry to the building if a security guard had been present at the time.

"I am quite surprised that security guards were not around at that time. I don't know why they were not there. They were supposed to do their work. This matter must be investigated.

"How did the suspect gain entry, do this and leave the building just like that? It could have happened to anyone," he said at Krishnasamy's wake at his house, in Bandar Putra.

Samy Vellu said the security guards at the MIC headquarters should be replaced.

"I will meet the Johor (MIC) chairman (Datuk K.S. Balakrishnan) on that matter. Next time, do not just let anyone enter the building.

"We must set up a new registry system, where those who enter the building must put down their name and state their business. Only then will we have better security."

Asked whether closed-circuit television cameras would be installed in the building, Samy Vellu said it was not a matter of utmost priority.

"Those who monitor the CCTVs may not be there 24 hours. Even if we have them, the CCTVs can be easily damaged by anyone."

Samy Vellu said steps should be taken to ensure that security guards hired were capable and credible.

"We do not want incapable guards. Sometimes they (security guard companies) send us retirees as guards," he said.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, who was also present to pay his last respects, said Johor mourned the loss of a great man.

"We have lost someone dear to the state and the country. I am shocked by this loss."

Sources said police believe the gunman was still in the state. A source said investigators were looking into whether the killer had shot Krishnasamy as he entered the lift or had waited on the first floor of the building.

This is because the first floor is vacant and Krishnasamy had been facing the gunman when he was shot just below the left eyebrow.