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News Asia-Pacific
Top aide cleared in Malaysia murder
The case spawned intense speculation about links with the deputy prime minister

A prominent political analyst known to be a confidant of Malaysia's deputy prime minister, has been acquitted of abetting the murder of a Mongolian model.
 
Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate of Najib Abdul Razak, the deputy premier, was charged with abetting the slaying of Altantuya Shaariibuu, a Mongolian model who was killed two years ago.

High Court Judge Mohamad Zaki Yasin ruled on Friday that the prosecution had failed to establish a case against Abdul Razak, but ordered two police officers charged with carrying out Altantuya's murder to enter their defence.
 
"I just want to go home," Abdul Razak, 48, told reporters after hugging his family.

Abdul Razak acknowledged having an affair with the woman and the prosecution contended that he ordered her killing after she pestered him for money.

The trial for Chief Inspector Azilah and Corporal Sirul Azhar, members of an elite police unit, for allegedly carrying out the killing, is fixed for November 10.
 

"I am not satisfied. My daughter is dead and [Abdul Razak] is free"

Shaariibuu Setev, Altantuya's father
Government prosecutor Abdul Majid Hamzah said he would "consider appealing" against Abdul Razak's acquittal, stressing that "the fight is not over yet".
 
The remains of Altantuya, who was allegedly shot and blown up with military-grade explosives in October 2006, were found in a jungle clearing just outside the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
 
The slain woman's father, Shaariibuu Setev, said the ruling was a blow to the credibility of Malaysia's judicial system.
 
"I am not satisfied," he told reporters. "My daughter is dead and [Abdul Razak] is free.

Intense speculation

The case, which has dragged on for almost two years, has drawn intense public interest and detractors have repeatedly tried to link Najib and his wife to Altantuya's death.
 
Najib is expected to succeed Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the prime minister, as the leader of the biggest party in the country's ruling coalition in March, and consequently become prime minister.
 
He has said that he never knew the woman and denied any involvement in the case.
 
But in June, a private investigator made explosive claims linking Najib to the Mongolian woman, claiming he had detailed information about their relationship which he had given to police but was never raised at the trial.
 
P Balasubramaniam retracted that statement the very next day and has since been reported missing, with Malaysian police asking Interpol's help to find him.
 
The case has also landed Raja Petra Kamarudin, a leading Malaysian blogger fiercely critical of the government, in trouble. He is on trial for sedition over an article alleging government links to the murder.
 Source: Agencies
Feedback Number of comments : 6
 
nitha
Malaysia 		02/11/2008
injustice
This clearly shows there is no longer justice in the Malaysian judiciary system which is highly influenced by politics If you have the power then you are the king. What is the point of having the trials at the first place? My condolence to Shaariibuu Setev and family.

Bigmel1981
Malaysia 		03/11/2008
Top aide cleared in Malaysia murder
Utter disgrace to the system. Do crime and get away in Malaysia. Rearrest the MAN ! common Malaysian Police

rich
Angola 		31/10/2008
This is sort of injustice that continous to occur in Malaysia. The evidence is overwhelming yet the judge can free this murderer. Either the government thinks the people are idiots or the government is run by idiots who think they are intelligent. It is an embarrasment to Islam and what it stands for.

Lumiere
Thailand 		03/11/2008
MALAYSIAN GOV IS ABOVE THE LAW
As we all can see now, do not intimidate the Malaysia Gov. They are above the LAW. All the men in the current GOV is only interested in $$$ and women. With all evidence pointing to the accuse, he can still walk home as a free men. The reason is he is the RIGHT HANDMAN of the DPM. May their daughter sleep in peace and walk with the calm heart on the street of each their waking day. For they will pay for the SINS of their father in DUE time

LAo
Malaysia 		03/11/2008
Justice
Everybody should abide on the decision of the court. If you do do not believe on the decision then make proper representation in appealing the case. We should be fair to anyone else.

mahamood
Malaysia 		05/11/2008
Top Aide
Not all can be pleased by the decision...what is important is that the court already ruled based on evidences presented. The accused should be given the benefit of doubt for he is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

 
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