Killer of heart surgeon Victor Chang to be released and sent back to Malaysia

The killer of Victor Chang, one of the world's top heart surgeons and one of the most prominent members of Australia's Chinese community, is to be released and deported to his native Malaysia after serving 21 years in jail.

Chiew Seng Liew, 69, was one of two men jailed over the fatal shooting in 1991 of the renowned surgeon during a botched extortion attempt. His co-offender Phillip Lim Choon Tee, who provided the gun, was released in 2010 and also sent back to Malaysia. The ailing Liew, who pulled the trigger, will be set free in coming weeks, the New South Wales State Parole Authority ruled.

Liew has advanced Parkinson's disease and his lawyer reportedly told the court that his client would likely be unfit to be travel, and hence unable to be deported, if not released urgently.

"Having regard to the principle that the public's interest is of primary importance … the release of the inmate is appropriate," said Parole Authority chairman, Judge Ian Pike.

Liew was originally sentenced to 26 years. The Sydney Morning Herald said his wife and children had stood by him and would support him in Malaysia.

The Herald quoted a spokesman for the Victims of Crime Assistance League, who said that he had spoken to Chang's family and they were devastated at the decision to release Liew.