Family of murdered Mongolian to proceed with RM100 million civil suit against M'sian government
The family of murdered Mongolian Ms Altantuya Shaariibuu will proceed with their RM100 million (S$37.08 million) civil suit against the Malaysian government.
This was after the Malaysian Federal court overturned the decision to acquit the two former Malaysian commandos of the murder of the 28-year-old former model on Tuesday (Jan 13).
Altantuya Shaariibuu. Photo: Sin Chew Jit Poh
Mr Setev Shaariibuu, Ms Altantuya's father had originally filed the civil suit, on behalf of his family, against the Malaysian government in June 2007, reported The Malaysian Insider.
The family is seeking damages for "suffering, sorrow, as well and physical and mental anguish".
According to The Malaysian Insider, the family's lawyer said that the civil suit can now proceed since the criminal trial has been concluded.
The two former police commandos, Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar Umar were convicted in 2009 and sentenced to hang, but later released when an appeals court overturned the conviction in 2013 after raising questions about how their trial was conducted.
This prompted the prosecution’s appeal to the Federal Court.
The case
Azilah and Sirul were found guilty of Ms Altantuya's murder by a court in Shah Alam in 2009.
During the original trial in October 2006, it was shown that Altantuya had been taken to the Puncak Alam hill, shot, then blown up with military-grade explosives.
Her remains were found scattered around the crime scene reported New Straits Times.
Location where parts of Ms Altantuya Shaariibuu's body were found. Photo: Sin Chew Daily
Government critics have long alleged that the two men, members of an elite unit that guards top ministers, were scapegoats in the killing of Altantuya.
Adding to the intrigue, she was allegedly a lover of Mr Abdul Razak Baginda – a close associate of current Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Allegations have simmered for years that Altantuya was murdered to keep her quiet about purported kickbacks to high-level Malaysian officials.
Malaysia's opposition had alleged that French submarine maker DCNS paid commission of more than 114 million euros (S$179 million) to a shell company linked to Mr Abdul Razak, who is not related to the premier.
Later in 2008 Mr Abdul Razak was acquitted of any involvement in the murder of Ms Altantuya.
No motive for Ms Altantuya’s death has ever been revealed.
Source: AFP, The Malaysian Insider, New Straits Times, BBC
Related story: Two M'sian policemen to hang for murder of Mongolian model
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