‘Investigate SD revelations without fear or favour’

PETALING JAYA: The revelations by former chief inspector Azilah Hadri in a statutory declaration (SD) in support of his application to review his conviction and death sentence in the Federal Court must be investigated without any fear or favour, says Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh.

In the SD, Azilah claimed to have been ordered by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, with the knowledge of Razak Baginda and senior police officer Deputy Supt Musa Safri, to kill Altantuya Shaariibuu and dispose of her remains.

Ramkarpal said if such allegations were proven to be true, there must be a prosecution against those involved despite Azilah and Sirul Azhar Umar having been convicted by the Federal Court for the murder.

He said this was because there is no limitation period in criminal cases and one can be prosecuted for an offence despite a sizeable time lapse, provided that there is evidence to support such a prosecution.“The family of Altantuya has, for years, demanded a thorough investigation into the question of who ordered the murder in 2006, particularly when both Azilah and Sirul had no possible motive for doing so.

“The revelations by Azilah in his SD are indeed shocking and the family of Altantuya will apply to the Federal Court to hold a watching brief in the said Federal Court review application, ” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said they would also amend the civil suit of the family of Altantuya, which is ongoing in the Shah Alam High Court, to include the allegations contained in the SD and the findings of the police investigation as a result.

“There is no need to await a police report on the matter as the police can act on the SD itself.

“A fresh statement must be taken from Azilah himself now and those he has implicated in his SD, including Najib, ” Ramkarpal said.

“I urge Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador to do so forthwith in light of the seriousness of the allegations.

“The mystery of who ordered the murder of Altantuya is one that must be eventually resolved and today’s development may be an important step in that direction.

“The family of Altantuya will not rest until the motive and personalities behind her brutal murder are revealed and those responsible are brought to justice, ” said Ramkarpal.