Tearful dad hopes there's no cover-up (in Malaysia)

This is a follow up story in the Straits Times on the brutal murder of the Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu. In Malaysia, all the father can do is hope that there is no cover-up. Can you imagine that? In another country like Malaysia, people still live in fear that the police will cover up cases of crimes where the accused comes from a powerful or wealthy family.

Can there be anymore doubt in our minds that Singapore is the best place to work and live in? In Singapore, no one has to worry about security or protection under the law. No one has to worry that there will be corruption or a cover-up in the event that the accused is politically powerful. We can be assured in Singapore that our elite and professional police force (may the PAP government be pleased with them!!) will carry out their duties efficiently and without fear or favour to anyone, not even the most wealthy or politically powerful. Only in Singapore can we live with this peace of mind!

Majulah PAP! Majulah Singapura!

Nov 12, 2006
Tearful dad hopes there's no cover-up

He has given police blood samples from his wife as well as other evidence from Mongolia
By MALAYSIA CORRESPONDENT, Leslie Lau

KUALA LUMPUR - THE father of murdered Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu made his first appearance before the media yesterday, telling reporters he hoped there would be no cover-up in the investigation into her death.

Fighting back tears, Mr Shaariibuu Setev said he is still praying that the remains found by police last week were not those of his daughter.

'The whole world knows about the incident. I hope there is no cover-up. But I am satisfied with investigations so far.

'All I want is a transparent, straightforward investigation. Until the DNA results are out I do not want to say more,' he said in Mongolian, while his niece, who wanted to be identified only as Amy, acted as his interpreter.

Her eyes concealed by wraparound Christian Dior sunglasses, Ms Shaariibuu's cousin stroked her mobile phone throughout the press conference, seemingly focused on its Sitting Buddha screensaver.

She did not appear to be mouthing any prayers, but the mantra she kept repeating in response to the volley of questions from reporters was: 'We hope and pray she is still alive. We will not say too much until the DNA results are out.'

More than 50 reporters and cameramen had crammed into the office of Mongolia's honorary consul to Malaysia, Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi, bombarding them with questions about the relationship between Ms Shaariibuu and her lover.

Mr Setev and Miss Amy, clearly not enjoying the attention, did not answer.

Mr Setev has given investigators blood samples from his wife, along with other evidence from Mongolia.

Police are trying to match DNA samples to identify the remains found in a ditch near a dam outside the city last week, which police suspect belong to Ms Shaariibuu. It is believed she was shot and her body blown up with explosives.

At one stage during the press conference, Mr Setev was asked to identify a series of pictures, purportedly of his daughter, that were published in The Star newspaper yesterday.
The pictures show a scantily clad woman bearing a striking resemblance to Ms Shaariibuu, in a series of provocative poses.

With a pained look on his face, Mr Setev glanced at the pictures and turned away, saying to his niece he did not know if it was her.

He refused to say whether he had ever met his daughter's alleged lover, but confirmed that he last saw her on Oct 7, when she left home for Malaysia.

Miss Amy came to Malaysia on Oct 22 to look for her cousin after her family lost contact with her. She was last seen on Oct 19.

leslie.lau@excite.com