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KUALA LUMPUR : Prominent political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda has vouched that Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak does not have any links with a murdered Mongolian model.
These were his first comments since he was acquitted and freed by a court three weeks ago.
Baginda had faced charges of abetting two other suspects in the Mongolian model's murder case.
After spending 22 months behind bars, Baginda said getting used to life as a free man is tougher than he thought. But he said he is staying put in Malaysia, despite having people whisper behind his back constantly.
"Why should I run away? I am innocent; I've been acquitted by the court. I want to stay here, this is my home," said Abdul Razak.
The former advisor to the deputy premier also attempted to clear the name of his friend. He slammed bloggers for spreading lies that Mr Najib and his wife knew the murdered model Altantuya Sharibuu.
"What I said today to all of you is what I told the police, that Datuk Najib had never met the deceased. How do I know? I know okay, I know," said Abdul Razak.
Abdul Razak further denied that there was any political intervention in his release. He said there has been no contact between him and the deputy premier since his acquittal by the court.
"Mind you, I was charged, went to prison and waited for my trial. I went through all that, please don't forget. How can there be any interference if I went through that," challenged Abdul Razak.
Two policemen are now facing trial for the Mongolian model's murder two years ago. Altantuya's body was found blown up by explosives in a remote jungle outside the capital.
While Abdul Razak's statement is unlikely to end all public speculations as to who actually ordered Altantuya's killing and why, the Malaysian political analyst is eager to close the chapter and move on with his life.
He is leaving for Britain shortly to pursue his doctorate in Oxford and plans to write a book when he returns. - CNA /ls
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