Ramkarpal: Probe Sirul's new claim in Altantuya murder

GEORGE TOWN: Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh (pic) urged police to investigate a claim by former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar that Abdul Razak Baginda shot Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu before she was blown up.

Ramkarpal said the allegation was not disclosed in the criminal proceedings pertaining to the murder, which culminated in the conviction of Sirul and former C/Insp Azilah Hadri by the Federal Court earlier this year.

In an Al Jazeera video entitled "Murder in Malaysia" which was broadcasted on Friday, it was revealed that Sirul, who is currently detained in Australia, has been blackmailing individuals in Malaysia through an intermediary in Malaysia.

"It has to be stressed that Sirul's allegations were made in Australia and puts a completely different light on how Altantuya was murdered and provides answers to the question of who ordered the murder.

"It is imperative for the allegation to be thoroughly investigated. It will be premature for the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to dismiss the allegations without even questioning Sirul.

"I urge the IGP to disclose if he has taken necessary steps into investigate Sirul in Australia in relation to the allegations in the Al Jazeera video," Ramkarpal told reporters outside the district police headquarters in Patani Road here Saturday.

Ramkarpal is also the counsel for Altantuya's family.