Failed bid to debate bail in murder case
Malaysiakini.com
Nov 27, 2006
Beh Lih Yi

An emergency motion to question the granting of bail to a political analyst alleged to have abetted a high-profile murder case was shot down in the Dewan Rakyat today. 

The analyst, Abdul Razak Baginda, 46, who claimed trial, was allowed bail on a RM1 million bond without security last week, in a case involving the brutal killing of a Mongolian model.

The offence, which carries the death penalty upon conviction, is non-bailable. However, the court can exercise its discretion in deciding whether or not to allow bail.

In rejecting the motion tabled by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian, photo) today, Speaker Ramli Ngah Talib said the court has “found grounds to grant Abdul Razak bail”.

The speaker, while satisfied that the motion was urgent and of public interest, ruled however that it should not be discussed in the House as the case was pending in court.

Salahuddin told the House that the granting of bail in murder cases was very rare in the country’s legal history.

Citing the example of lawyer Balwant Singh who was granted RM500,000 bail in 2002 after being charged with murder, the MP said this instance involves someone who was old and in poor health. (Balwant was eventually acquitted.) 

“I am of the view that we, the members in this House, as lawmakers entitled to be given an explanation. It is our duty to ensure justice is upheld,” Salahuddin added.

Abdul Razak, head of a local think-tank, is alleged to have abetted chief inspector Azilah Hadri, 30 and corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 35, in the offence.

He was alleged to have conspired with the two cops to kill Altantuya Shaariibuu between 9.54am and 11.05am on Oct 18 at the 10th floor of Bangunan Getah Asli at Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur. Abdul Razak’s office is located in that address.

The remains of 28-year-old Altantuya was found in a secondary jungle in Shah Alam early this month. It was reported that she was blown up with explosives.

Abdul Razak’s health condition was pivotal in being granted bail. After his arrest on Nov 7, he was a frequent visitor to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for lung infection and asthma.

The trial is fixed to begin on Dec 14 at the Shah Alam High Court.
    
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