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Media Statement
by Karpal Singh  
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(Kuala Lumpur, Monday) : The startling revelations in the affidavit of Abdul Razak Baginda in support of his bail application, which was read in the High Court, Shah Alam last Friday brings into sharp focus the necessity for the police to re-open investigations into the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu. There is no doubt that investigations can, in law, be conducted even after an accused has been charged in court or for that matter even during his trial.

I call upon the police to forthwith to record a statement from the Commissioner of Oaths who affirmed Abdul Razak’s affidavit. He will certainly be a very important witness for the prosecution at the trial. Abdul Razak’s affidavit is a sworn statement and amounts to evidence as if given from the witness box under oath. Abdul Razak’s statement prima facie amounts to admission of complicity in the crime as was rightly stated by Justice K N Segara, “There is also no dispute that on face value the accused abetted in the crime” adding Abdul Razak and Azila Hadri were in constant communication before Altantuya was killed. The evidence in the affidavit is stronger than a cautioned statement which is not given under oath.

It is also necessary to investigate Abdul Razak’s assertion in his affidavit that Azila Hadri had admitted to him that he had killed 6 to 7 people. This incriminating statement is compounded by the fact that Azila is a chief Inspector attached to the UTK (Unit Tindakan Khas). Altantuya’s case has attracted wide national and international coverage. In fact, our judicial system itself will be on trial. Every effort should be made to bring to justice those responsible for her gruesome murder.

(22/1/2007)