Investigation Into Murdered Mongolian Model Reopens

A report said on Thursday quoting the country’s police chief, in a case that could spell more trouble for former premier Najib Razak has revealed that the investigation of the murder a Mongolian Model in 2006 will be reopened.

Two former police officers, who were serving as members of Najib’s personal security detail at the time of the murder, were sentenced to death for the crime. Najib, who was defeated in an election in May after almost a decade in power, has denied knowing the woman, but the question of who ordered the killing has never been answered.

“I can confirm we are reopening investigations,” Insp.-Gen. of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said.

Harun added that a new police report submitted by the model’s father on Wednesday was one reason for the fresh probe into the murder case.

Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, was killed and blown up with military grade explosives in a forest near Kuala Lumpur. Her father Setev Shaariibuu on Wednesday met with Malaysia’s new attorney-general Tommy Thomas and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who defeated the scandal-tainted Najib in a stunning election upset in May.

Civil society groups have alleged Altantuya’s murder was linked to her role as an interpreter for Abdul Razak Baginda, a former associate of Najib, in Malaysia’s purchase of two Scorpene-class submarines from French shipbuilding giant DCNS in 2002.

Abdul Razak, who said he had had an affair with Altantuya, was charged with abetment in her murder.

However, he was acquitted in 2008.

One of the officers found guilty of her murder, Sirul Azhar Uma, fled to Australia shortly before his sentence was handed down.

Sirul said in May that he would cooperate with any new investigation into the murder if he was given a full pardon.

Malaysia is considering revoking his death sentence to facilitate his extradition.