Malaysian DPM denies involvement in murder of Mongolian model

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia's top leadership has denied involvement in the gruesome murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaaribuu in 2006.

The allegations were made by prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin a week ago, accusing Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak's wife Rosmah Mansor of having a hand in the murder of the Mongolian model.

Both Prime Minister Abdulllah Badawi and Mr Najib vowed that actions will be taken against Raja Petra.

Meanwhile, the deputy PM has publicly defended his wife's innocence.

"Everything that is claimed and written are total lies and fabricated, and it is total garbage," said Mr Najib.

Raja Petra, editor of popular news portal Malaysia Today, claimed on oath that a reliable source informed him that Mr Najib's wife was present at the crime scene the night Altantuya's body was blown up by C4 explosives.

"My wife has given her statement. Everyone will make a statement, including the prime minister. He will also make a recorded the statement," said the deputy PM.

Prime Minister Abdullah said he is standing by his deputy. He also denied having received a written report from the military intelligence, which backed Raja Petra's allegations. The blogger claimed it was handed over to Mr Abdullah's son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, for safekeeping.

Now a member of parliament, Mr Khairy who has also given a police statement said he reserves the right to sue Raja Petra for defamation.

"It is as though I am concealing knowledge of the crime; we have to take it seriously," said Mr Khairy, deputy chief of UMNO Youth.

The prosecution closed its case on Monday, after 84 witnesses testified in the high profile trial that stretched over 124 days. Two police officers were charged for killing the Mongolian model, while Abdul Razak Baginda, a former close associate of the deputy premier, was charged for abetting them.

The Attorney-General has initiated immediate investigation into blogger Raja Petra, who is already charged with sedition last month. - CNA /ls

Channel NewsAsia
26/06/08