Malaysia may re-open Mongolian model’s murder case

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A probe into the sensational murder of a young Mongolian woman linked to Malaysia's ousted leader Najib Razak could be re-opened, a lawyer said on Tuesday, after a meeting between the victim's father and the attorney-general.

Altantuya Shaariibuu, a Mongolian model, was shot dead and her body blown up with military-grade plastic explosives near Kuala Lumpur in 2006.

Singapore-based Channel News Asia reported that Altantuya’s father will meet Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to discuss reopening the investigation into her killing and the possibility of setting up a Royal Commission of Inquiry.

"I never thought that the Prime Minister (Mahathir) will ever receive me. I understand the PM is interested in seeking justice for this case," Setev Shaariibuu told a press conference at his lawyer's office in Kuala Lumpur.

"I am full of hope that the new government will do everything under its power to render justice and bring an end to grief and suffering of my family," said Setev.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at his office in Putrajaya, Malaysia, June 19, 2018. /VCG Photo

The Mongolian model’s murder was the most shocking aspect in a scandal involving allegations that an associate of recently ousted premier Najib arranged huge kickbacks for the purchase of French submarines in 2002.

The case captivated Malaysia for years and there have long been allegations that Najib – defense minister at the time of the deal – and his wife Rosmah Mansor were involved. They have steadfastly denied the claims.

Two government bodyguards were convicted of the killing and sentenced to death. One subsequently fled to Australia, where he is in detention, and maintains he was ordered by "important people" to carry out the murder.

The shock election loss last month of scandal-plagued Najib's regime, long accused of burying the scandal, has fueled speculation that new details about the murky case could be revealed.

March 28, 2015: Protesters holding cut-out drawings depicting 1MDB-linked businessman, Low Taek Jho murdered Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib's daughter, Nooryana Najwa. /VCG Photo‍

On Tuesday Altantuya's father, Setev Shaariibuu and his lawyer met Malaysia's newly-appointed Attorney-General Tommy Thomas to discuss whether authorities could take a fresh look at the scandal.

"It was a very, very positive meeting," lawyer Ramkarpal Singh said, adding discussions centered on the possibility of re-opening the case or holding an official inquiry.

Singh said he believed there were new leads and he was "confident" the investigation would be re-opened.

At an earlier press conference, Setev said his daughter's death had "destroyed" his life as if by a tsunami.

Altantuya was the mistress of Najib's associate, Abdul Razak Baginda, and was alleged to have demanded a cut in the submarine deal for translating during negotiations. Abdul Razak was cleared in 2008 of abetting the murder.

The bodyguard who fled to Australia, Sirul Azhar Umar, recently said he is willing to assist any new government investigation into the case, a potential major breakthrough.

[Cover Photo: This combination of file photos show murdered Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu (L) and Malaysia's ousted prime minister Najib Razak. /VCG Photo]

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Source(s): AFP