The rule of thumb is that you don’t react. And the other rule of thumb is you don’t become defensive. Or the public would think you have something to hide.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister reacted rather strongly to a former police commando, Sirul Azhar Umar’s, threat to ‘tell all’ about the mystery surrounding the death of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu.
He said it is ‘utterly rubbish’.
Siful claims that he acted on orders and that people with the motive to kill Altantuya are still free.
Najib’s strong reaction only implies that he may be in the know of what happened.
And this gives rise to other questions such as how would Najib know and is he privy to information as to who is behind the murder?
Malaysia’s internal security may well be comprised following Sirul’s statement as it raises suspicion that we may have a premier who could be involved in a criminal case.
As such it warrants an immediate investigation by the police. I am however disappointed to note that the police chief has dismissed a police report by a DAP lawmaker and colleague urging investigations, as mere hearsay.
The top cop, Khalid Abu Bakar, reportedly said the police require “sufficient grounds” to proceed with an investigation.
This reeks of double standards, especially when Opposition politicians, academics and activists have been nabbed for investigation based on police reports alone.
Sirul’s tell-all threat is explosive. Therefore, the police should not make an exception for Najib. They also should not bend over just to protect him.
And if the police refuse to act, I will lodge a report with the Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Enforcement Agencies Integrity Commission (EAIC) for Khalid neglecting his duty of protecting national security and the interest of the public.
Sirul Azhar, along with his former colleague Azilah Hadri, were convicted and sentenced to death by the Malaysian Federal Court last month for the murder of Altantuya in 2006.
The Mongolian model allegedly worked as a translator during a defense deal involving Najib and his close buddy, Abdul Razak Baginda, when Najib was the Defense Minister.
Although Najib has always maintained he does not know Altantuya, expose by a private investigator and the recent information leaked by Sirul have always looped in the Prime Minister.
And if necessary, this case should also be reinvestigated in the interest of the nation as it involves a man who has the top job in the country.
As such I call upon the judiciary to issue a stay of execution on both Sirul Azhar and Azilah Hadri, until Najib is questioned.