SINGAPORE — The man at the centre of the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) shooting last Saturday was yesterday charged with the unlawful discharge of firearms — which carries the mandatory death penalty — and will be held in remand for a week to assist in investigations.

Muhammad Iskandar Sa’at (picture), 23, was taken to court on a holding charge, which means that the prosecution may amend the charge when investigations have concluded. Asking for Muhd Iskandar to be further remanded, Deputy Public Prosecutor Winston Man said the charge was a “fairly serious and recent one”.

District Judge Eddy Tham granted the request.

Muhd Iskandar is alleged to have fired three shots from a police officer’s gun while trying to escape from the police on Saturday. Muhd Iskandar, who was arrested for motor-vehicle theft the day before, was taken to KTPH after he complained of chest pains.

While in a medical examination room, he allegedly attacked the police officer watching over him, 31-year-old Mohammad Sadli Razli.

It is understood that he first hit Mr Mohammad Sadli with his police baton, then made a grab for the officer’s service revolver, a .38 inch caliber Taurus. Muhd Iskandar sustained superficial injuries while Mr Mohammad Sadli suffered gunshot wounds to his left thumb and right foot. He is now in stable condition.

A second police officer who took Muhd Iskandar into the medical examination room is said to have left the room before the incident took place.

Asked by reporters at a Home Team event yesterday about the standard operating procedure for police officers in such situations, Second Minister for Home Affairs Masagos Zuklifli said the case is still before the courts and an investigation is being conducted.

“The findings from the investigation will help us diagnose what the problems are and what kind of correction we may need to make in the future,” said Mr Masagos, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Muhd Iskandar appeared in court yesterday in a white polo shirt. He showed no emotion as the charge was read to him, and requested to speak to his sister-in-law afterwards. His case will be heard next Monday at 3pm.