Baginda reveals relationship with Altantuya

Before you read theSUN’s report inside, think about this. Think about how close we may be to nailing the criminals but how further away we may be from the truth. Think about the many highly politicised cases in history; just to give yourself a sense of perspective. Think about how roles can switch in court till it takes you by surprise.

Lawyers who witnessed the bail application case of Abdul Razak Baginda in the Shah Alam High Court today was stunned at the accused’s revelations as the antics of his defense lawyer seem to have raised some eyebrows.

According to a well-placed lawyer, Baginda seem to have literally led himself to the slaughter by revealing facts about his case in an affidavit instead of medical records; since it was his bail application he attended; and not his murder trial.

Baginda was supposed to seek bail, in a non-bailable offense, on grounds of ill health.

Even presiding judge KN Segara was said to be surprised when the file defense lawyer KK Wong carried and waved in his hand were filled with Baginda’s affidavit; and not his medical records.

It is learnt that Baginda’s confessions – about knowing Altantuya; having an affair with her; giving her money; and then employing private investigators and police to protect him from her alleged harassment and threats; were self-incriminating; establishing the motive for his mens rea; not a smart move for an accused claiming NOT guilty in a  murder trial.

Questions popped into every legal mind: has Baginda forgotten that he is the accused? That he need not prove anything in court as he is innocent until proven guilty?

However, his behaviour in court today seem to have proved otherwise.

What really happenned in Sungai Buloh, one may ask? Has Baginda been pressured to make his confessions?

Mongolian’s murder: Razak reveals his relationship with Altantuya
R. Surenthira Kumar, TheSUN
 

SHAH ALAM (Jan 19, 2007): In a desperate bid to secure bail, political analyst Abdul Razak Abdullah today revealed in High Court his relationship with Mongolian interpreter Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Saying that he first met Altantunya in Hongkong at the end of 2004, and in a relationship that lasted about eight months, Abdul Razak said he gave her US$10,000 three to four times, and more.

He said Altantuya told him that she was a student, and to earn a living she worked as a “part-timer” but Abdul Razak did not elaborate what it meant.

He said he also took pity on Altantuya because she said her mother had cancer.

Razak’s statement was contained in an affidavit tendered to the court by his counsel Wong Kian Kheong who read it out.

The affidavit was tendered by Wong in an attempt to obtain bail which High Court judge Datuk K.N.Segara had denied him earlier because there was no medical grounds to support his application for bail.

Wong told the court that there were no reasonable grounds to hold his client under detention as he has not been found guilty.

He then tendered the affidavit which details Abdul Razak’s movements, actions and relationship with Altantuya.

Abdul Razak said he got acquainted with the Mongolian woman in Hongkong at the end of 2004 and had met her in Shanghai in early 2005, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and France in middle of 2005.

The relationship continued for about seven to eight months until Abdul Razak ended it.
Razak said Altantuya identified herself as Aminah during their relationship.

Wong said Razak stopped giving money to Altantuya after she continued to demand for more and he could not tolerate it any longer.

During Wong’s argument, Abdul Razak was seen asking Wong’s assistant for a piece of paper to jot down something before passing it back for Wong’s attention.

In the affidavit, Abdul Razak also explained about the harassment he encountered from Altantuya when he decided to end his relationship with the woman.

He said the matter became serious when Altantuya continued with the harassments through SMSes and telephone calls and he decided to seek help when Altantuya threatened to harm his daughter.

Based on a lawyer’s advice, Abdul Razak hired a private detective, former policeman P. Balasubramaniam and an assistant.

The private investigators were supposed to provide security to him and his family members who were told about the affair with Altantuya.

Abdul Razak also sought the aid of a DSP Musa Safri who introduced him to C/Insp Azilah Hadri.

He said Musa had told him that Azilah would be able to help him and he met him (Azilah) personally once, while at other times the communication between both of them was through telephone.

Abdul Razak said in the affidavit that Azilah was responsible for the death of about six or more people and he would be able to help the political analyst.

At this point, lawyer representing Azilah, Zulkifli Noordin interjected by saying that the accusations against his client were unjust.

Segara ordered Zulkifli to sit and not to get excited as he was supposed to hold a watching brief and not take part in the proceedings.

As Wong continued with the affidavit, Segara interjected from time to time telling him to stick to the facts and not draw inferences from the events that unfolded as Abdul Razak attempted to “get rid” of Altantuya.

At one juncture, Wong skipped part of the affidavit on Abdul Razak meeting Musa at the Deputy Prime Minister’s (DPM) office on official matters, during which he (Abdul Razak) enquired about Altantuya’s fate.

Segara became angry and said: “Why are you avoiding the part, there’s nothing to hide, the DPM would not be embarrassed if the matter is mentioned. This is the court. Everything has to be disclosed.”

Segara said the affidavit produced by Abdul Razak pointed to a conclusion that he had abetted with Azilah to “get rid” of Altantuya from his life, but the matter was to be deliberated when the trial begins.

He said Abdul Razak despite knowing that Azilah had killed several people, chose to continue seeking his aid.

Wong said Abdul Razak had specifically told Azilah not to cause any harm to Altantuya, but he did not want her to be sent to lock-up and later deported as the Mongolian would be angry with him and his relationship with her would come out in the open.

The court was also told that at one point, Azilah told Abdul Razak “Tonight sir, you can sleep peacefully”.

Wong also tried to substantiate his appeal for bail by saying that the previous two judges who heard Abdul Razak’s case had allowed him to be released on bail, but Segara cut him off by saying he will not comment on their decisions.

After Wong was done, DPP Salehuddin Saidin tried to stand up to speak but Segara quickly told him: “You don’t have to say anything.”

Wong declined to comment when asked if he would appeal against the decision.

Shedding tears, Abdul Razak hugged his wife, daughter, parents and siblings as he was led away by the police to prison.

Earlier, Segara said the court was unable to consider Abdul Razak’s application as he had not fulfilled the exceptional circumstance for him to be allowed bail.

“There is not a single evidence to show that he is incapacitated by illness. Is he telling the truth or is he malingering,” said Segara.

He said Abdul Razak had failed to produce a medical report in relation to his medical condition and therefore the court was put in a difficult situation as it was unable to weigh his application based on exceptional and special circumstances.

“Without the benefit of a medical report, I won’t even consider. It must be supported by documents. I have given enough time but the medical reports were not forthcoming at all.

“Affirment that he is suffering serious medical conditions and hypothesis that he requires constant medical attention is insufficient,” he added.

Segara also said he was rather amazed, based on details in the affidavit, that the medical conditions allegedly suffered by Abdul Razak was not detected by the Gleneages Medical Centre but was determined when he sought treatment in Kuala Lumpur Hospital after his remand.

Segara also said the offence Abdul Razak was charged with is serious and non-bailable.

However he said, Abdul Razak can at anytime approach the court if his medical condition, as claimed, became evident and the court would consider his application for bail at that time, based on evidence produced

Link to the story HERE.