Malaysia wins appeal in lawsuit by murdered Mongolian woman’s family
Malaysia’s government won an appeal overturning a civil lawsuit victory by the family of Altantuya Shaariibuu, who was murdered in 2006.Summary
The Malaysian government has successfully appealed a civil lawsuit brought by the family of Altantuya Shaariibuu, a Mongolian woman murdered in 2006 by bodyguards assigned to protect officials, including former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The Court of Appeal overturned a previous ruling that found the government liable for damages, meaning the case may proceed to Malaysia’s highest court. While the government’s appeal was successful, the court upheld a ruling requiring Abdul Razak Baginda, Altantuya’s former lover and a former advisor to Najib, to pay over RM1.38 million in damages to the family.
Altantuya was abducted and killed in 2006 after a romantic relationship with Abdul Razak. Two secret-service policemen, Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar Umar, were convicted of her murder, but a definitive motive remains unknown. Azilah remains imprisoned in Malaysia, while Sirul fled to Australia and is unlikely to be extradited. A previous affidavit from Azilah alleged that Najib Razak ordered Altantuya’s murder, a claim Najib has consistently denied.
The case has been ongoing for over 18 years, with multiple legal challenges and appeals. Najib Razak is currently imprisoned on unrelated charges related to the 1MDB scandal. Altantuya’s family continues to pursue justice, with a separate judicial review underway to compel authorities to investigate Azilah’s affidavit.
(Source：The Business Times)