A police officer who fled Malaysia after being sentenced to hang for the killing of a beautiful Mongolian model, in a scandal linked to the government, should face a new trial, political leader Anwar Ibrahim has said. The murder in 2006 is thought to be linked to kickbacks for the purchase of French submarines by the Malaysian navy.
Shaariibuugiin Altantuya, a model-turned-translator who was born in the Soviet Union, was allegedly the mistress of Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate of Najib Razak, who lost his position as Malaysian Prime Minister after the election on May 10.
The 28-year-old's murder is thought to be linked to another corruption scandal, involving kickbacks for the purchase of French submarines in 2002.
Razak — who was Minister of Defense at the time — has repeatedly denied any involvement in under-the-table payments of 114 million euros (US$142 million) to French submarine manufacturer DCNS for two Scorpene submarines.
On Friday, May 18, police officers raided Razak's home and seized 72 suitcases stuffed with cash, jewellery and designer handbags.
US investigators say Razak's associates stole and laundered US$4.5 billion from the 1MDB fund but Razak has denied any wrongdoing.
Unanswered Questions From 2006 Murder
But his fall from power has led to calls for a reopening of Malaysia's biggest political scandal — the murder of Ms. Altantuya.
Her body was blown…
