Chan has been lobbying Malaysian authorities to keep him in the country to avoid being returned to face 'certain death', Organised Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) sources have revealed.

Justice and law-enforcement authorities are negotiating over the case.

Chan is wanted in Hong Kong and Macau by police investigating a series of killings and car bombings.

Malaysia has announced it plans to detain Chan - brother of the late 'Tiger of Wan Chai', Andely Chan Yiu-hing - for at least three years under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act following his arrest three months ago. Malaysian police suspect Chan is a ringleader of an international crime syndicate found operating an illicit drug factory in Fiji capable of producing billions of dollars worth of the party drug Ice.

'Chan is desperate not to come back to face trial in Hong Kong ... if he does he is a dead man walking,' a senior OCTB officer said.

'He has a contract out on his head and faces certain death if he ever sets foot in Hong Kong again.

'He was involved in a particularly bloody power struggle between triads, and after he escaped he was told never to come back.'

The Sun Yee On triad boss fled to Malaysia more than a decade ago, establishing himself in drug trafficking, gaming, prostitution and extortion rackets.

He eluded the authorities by travelling on passports from the Republic of Nauru and from Gambia, sources said.

According to the New Straits Times, Chan had a reputation in Kuala Lumpur as a big spender, blowing more than HK$100,000 in a night out on the town.

Many of his friends were unaware of his underworld role, believing him to be a property speculator with a penchant for expensive watches and luxury cars, the paper said.

Others knew him as a goldsmith, dealing in high-end ornaments and gemstones.

Chief Superintendent Kenny Ip Lau-chuen, head of the Hong Kong Narcotics Bureau, told the Sunday Morning Post the raids that nabbed Chan and 13 other syndicate members in four countries were the result of a 14-month covert investigation, dubbed Operation Outrigger.

He said the cartel was involved with heroin, Ecstasy and cannabis in Australia, Asia and Europe.

Chan shot to prominence in Hong Kong's criminal fraternity when the murder of his brother - a 426 Red Pole officer [a rank for triad fighters] known as the 'Tiger of Wan Chai' - left a power vacuum.

His brother died on November 21, 1993, when three gunmen in motorcycle helmets opened fire as he left Macau's New World Emperor Hotel at 3.10am, hitting him in the head and chest.

The 32-year-old was apparently killed in revenge for ordering the killing of 14K-affiliated film producer Wong Long-wai. Police believe Wong was shot dead for slapping the late Canto-pop songstress Anita Mui Yim-fong after she refused to sing during a celebration at a karaoke bar.

Chan's brother is believed to have infuriated rival triads by refusing to pay 'compensation' for Wong's death and by falsely bragging about being the hitman.

The turf war between the Sun Yee On, Wo Hop To and Wunan gangs that followed his killing led to a bloody chopping in Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, which left six triad members in hospital. Following the chopping, the younger Chan fled to escape police and rival triads.