Najib addresses issue of model's murder, saying he has nothing to hide

The Straits Times, April 20, 2007


FOR months, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had kept mum while rumours flew over his alleged links to the case of a Mongolian model who was killed in Malaysia.

But for the second time in the past two days, he has said he has nothing to do with the case and has no fear because he has nothing to hide.

The gruesome murder of part-time model Altantuya Shaariibuu is still the talk of the town. Razak Baginda, her former lover and an adviser to Datuk Seri Najib, has been charged with abetting in the murder. Two policemen face murder charges. The case will be heard in June.

Opposition politician Anwar Ibrahim has alleged a political cover-up.

Asked about this, Datuk Seri Najib said yesterday: 'It is okay...We are not afraid.'

He said he retained the option to sue Datuk Seri Anwar, but wanted to let the law take its course in the courts first. He also said he could not give a more detailed answer as the case had not been heard yet.

He said on Wednesday that he was not afraid because the police, the Attorney-General and Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi all knew the truth about the case.

He also warned Datuk Seri Anwar: 'Do not try to lie to the public on this issue. Do not play dirty politics.'

Speaking to Barisan Nasional party workers, he said he had never before touched on Datuk Seri Anwar's personal matters. 'If I want to talk, I can. However, I do not want to embarrass him.'

An aide said the minister broke his long silence after weighing carefully what he could and could not say, as the case was pending in the courts.

The opposition had harped on the Altantuya case in the Machap by-election in Malacca that ended last week, and is expected to continue pursuing the issue in the upcoming Ijok by-election in Selangor.

REME AHMAD