Abrar Hussain: Malaysian police have reopened an investigation into the brutal murder of a young Mongolian woman in 2006 which has been linked to the country’s ousted leader.
Altantuya Shaariibuu was shot dead and her body blown up with military-grade plastic explosives near Kuala Lumpur.
The murder was arguably the most shocking aspect in a scandal involving allegations regarding Prime Minister Najib Razak and the purchase of French submarines in 2002.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 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 while one subsequently fled to Australia, where he is in detention, claiming to be ordered by “important people” to carry out the murder.
Source: Arab News