Mongolian PM Requests Updates On Coming Abdul Razak Baginda's Altantuya Murder Trial

The Prime Minister of Mongolia has instructed the Mongolian Consulate here to monitor and give the latest updates on the upcoming Altantuya Shaariibu's murder trial.

The Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Malaysia, Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Al-Habshi said that the Premier, Miyeegombo Enkhbold (pic) through the Mongolian External Ministry, had requested him to closely monitor the matter as it involved a Mongolian citizen.

"He instructed me to update information on the coming trial including new matters arising in the trial on a daily basis. "Enkhbold also expressed his deepest regret on the murder since the brutal murder was allegedly done by police officers. He also said the murder had sparked concern in Mongolia's cabinet," he told Bernama, here Monday.

Earlier, Syed Abdul Rahman handed over a memorandum from the Commission on Human Rights of Mongolia (CHRM) to Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman.

In the memorandum, CHRM's chief commissioner, Suren Tserendon had expressed hope that the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) would see that the trial be conducted fairly.

"I received the letter last week and Tserendon mentioned that the people of Mongolia believe the judicial system of Malaysia will resolve justice without double-standard," said Syed Abdul Rahman.

According to Syed Abdul Rahman, the CHRM was pleased with police investigations in Altantuya's murder though surprised with the release of Abdul Razak Baginda on RM1 million bail.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman said Suhakam would monitor the trial, adding that appeal could be made to higher court if there was injustice on the part of the court.

Altantuya's brutal murder received wide coverage here and in Mongolia, following speculation that apart from being shot, explosives were also used to blow up her body to pieces.

Two policemen from the Federal Police Special Action Force (SAF), Chief Insp Azilah Hadri, 30, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 35, have been charged with her murder.

Abdul Razak Baginda, 46, a prominent local political analyst, has been charged with abetment in the murder, but released on a RM1 million bond with two sureties without security on Nov 23.

-- By B. Hariharasuthan (BERNAMA)

***** Interesting question: How did the killers get C4 explosives?