Use Altantuya's death as a reason to repeal death penalty, says former Mongolian minister

KUALA LUMPUR: A former Mongolian minister has urged Malaysia to use the memory of murdered model Altantuya Shaariibuu as a reason to abolish the death penalty.

Former foreign minister Luvsanvandan Bold said that Altantuya's death should serve as a lesson that killing someone is not right.

He said that the death penalty is cruel and the execution of criminals by governments sets a bad example.

The former minister was speaking at the 1st Asian Regional Congress on the Death Penalty here on Friday.

Altantuya was murdered on Oct 18, 2006 and her remains were found in a forest near Puncak Alam, Shah Alam.

Two former police commandos were found guilty of the crime and handed the death sentence.

Luvsanvandan added that abolishing the death penalty would require the political will of governments.

“The government should take the lead and be a role model to their citizens … human life is the most important value,” he said.

Mongolia last executed a person in June 2009. Its parliament will officially abolish the death penalty by introducing new laws in Parliament this year, said Luvsanvandan.

Later when asked by The Star Online whether he was urging the Malaysian government to commute the sentences of Altantuya’s killers, Luvsanvandan said it was not a question for an individual.

“We want justice. As a human rights activist I have one opinion but as a Mongolian citizen I also have an opinion," he said.

When pressed again on the matter, he said “I oppose the death penalty anywhere.”