Malaysia defends prosecution change in Mongolian case

The Straits Times, June 8, 2007


KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA had to replace the government prosecutors handling the murder of a Mongolian model as the head of the team had been seen playing badminton with the trial judge.

According to the attorney-general on Wednesday, Malaysia had postponed the murder trial on Monday after government prosecutors replaced the legal team at the eleventh hour.

Political analyst Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda and close aide of the country's deputy prime minister, has been accused of involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Altantuya Shaariibuu.

The case has unfurled a frenzy of speculation about possible government links.

The postponement drew a sharp protest from the Mongolian government, the family of the murdered model and defence lawyers.

Ms Shaariibuu was shot in the head twice and her body blown up with plastic explosives in a jungle outside the Malaysian capital last October.

Mr Abdul Razak was charged with abetting the murder while two policemen were charged with murder.

All three have pleaded not guilty, but all face mandatory death by hanging if convicted.

The trial has been adjourned until June 18. -- REUTERS