Wikileaks: Anwar implicates Najib in murder

A private investigator's legal deposition, revealed by Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on July 3, implicates Deputy Prime Minister Najib in the high-profile Altantuya murder case. The deposition, based primarily on statements reportedly made by Altantuya and murder defendant Razak Baginda, indicates that Najib had an affair with Altantuya, Altantuya assisted Najib in the controversial purchase of French submarines, and Najib attempted to intervene on Razak Baginda's behalf at the time of his arrest.  


C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUALA LUMPUR 000572

SIPDIS

FOR EAP/MTS AND INR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/03/2028

TAGS: PGOV, PREL, PINR, MARR, KDEM, KJUS, MY

SUBJECT: ANWAR IMPLICATES DPM NAJIB IN MURDER CASE

REF: A. KUALA LUMPUR 570 - GOM DELIVERS PROTEST TO USG

     B. KUALA LUMPUR 563 - ANWAR ON OFFENSIVE

     C. KUALA LUMPUR 557 - ANWAR TAKES REFUGE

     D. KUALA LUMPUR 73 - PROSECUTOR DOWNBEAT ON MURDER CASE

     E. 07 KUALA LUMPUR 291

Classified By: Political Section Chief Mark D. Clark, reason 1.4 (b and d).

Summary

1.  (C) A private investigator's legal deposition, revealed by Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on July 3, implicates Deputy Prime Minister Najib in the high-profile Altantuya murder case.

The deposition, based primarily on statements reportedly made by Altantuya and murder defendant Razak Baginda, indicates that Najib had an affair with Altantuya, Altantuya assisted Najib in the controversial purchase of French submarines, and Najib attempted to intervene on Razak Baginda's behalf at the time of his arrest.

The investigator claims that this information was suppressed by police and ignored by prosecutors.

Anwar's revelation of this information comes as he launches a political offensive following recent sodomy allegations, which he believes were instigated by Najib.  Meanwhile, Anwar and the Opposition coalition are set to begin a series of nationwide rallies, including a major gathering on July 6 near Kuala Lumpur.

The national police chief announced the military would join the police in tackling illegal assemblies in an emergency situation, a role the military last played during the 1969 politically-inspired race riots.

Najib and the government of Prime Minister Abdullah will need to respond, both to Anwar's explosive revelations, but also to the Opposition leader's political offensive, including plans to hold nationwide rallies.  End Summary.

Explosive Revelations

2. (SBU) On July 3, as the next step in his energized political offensive, former DPM and de facto opposition coalition leader Anwar Ibrahim released a statutory declaration (similar to a deposition in the U.S. system), made by private investigator P. Balasubramaniam on July 1, linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib to murder victim Altantuya Shaariibuu (ref e) and implicating Najib in efforts to subvert the investigation of the case.

(Najib's advisor Razak Baginda and two members of Najib's security detail are currently on trial for murder in this case.)

Anwar produced the explosive affidavit during a press conference on July 3, with Balasubramaniam standing by his side.

3.  (SBU) Balasubramaniam bases his statement on conversations he had with Razak Baginda and with Altantuya; on events he witnessed acting as Razak Baginda's investigator; and his experiences under arrest and in the courtroom at the opening stage of the murder trial.  Among other things, the affidavit includes the following damaging allegations against Najib and others:

-- Najib and Altantuya had an affair and that Najib introduced her to Baginda.  (Note: Najib has repeatedly denied knowing Altantuya.  End note.)

-- Najib, along with Razak Baginda, was with Altantuya in Paris in connection with the negotiations for the purchase of French submarines, and that Altantuya believed she was due $500,000 for her services.

-- Najib asked Razak Baginda to take care of Altantuya, as Najib did not want Altantuya harassing him.

-- Najib, in a text message, told Razak Baginda he would meet with Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan to resolve the issue of Razak Baginda's impending arrest for murder.

-- Police omitted the above information that Balasubramaniam provided during his seven-day interrogation regarding the murder, and that prosecutors never addressed any questions to him during his court appearances.

4.  (SBU) Anwar stated it was evident the police and prosecution team, especially IGP Musa Hassan and Attorney General Abdul Gani manipulated the case to protect the DPM and hide any linkages of the DPM to Altantuya.  He declared that the declaration further confirmed a clear and consistent pattern of manipulation of the criminal justice system since 1998.

Anwar continued by saying he is worried the IGP and AG will again manipulate evidence and statements during the probe into alleged sodomy charges against Anwar (ref A - C).

5.  (SBU) Anwar's incendiary revelations follow a statutory declaration by controversial blogger Raja Petra in which he alleged that Najib's wife, Rosmah, was present at scene of Altantuya's murder.  In addition, on July 1 Anwar publicly accused Najib and Rosmah for being behind the current sodomy allegations against Anwar, which is now under police investigation.

Taking the Campaign Against Najib on the road

6.  (SBU) On another front, Anwar starts a nationwide tour with a rally in Penang on July 5 followed by an appearance at a rally in Shah Alam on July 6.  The Opposition hope to use the Shah Alam rally, originally intended as a protest against the fuel price hikes, as a show of support for their cause against the government.

Anwar and other Peoples Alliance (opposition coalition) leaders are urging their supporters to attend and hope for a massive turnout (a minimum of 50,000 people) in order to send a message to the government and add credibility to Anwar's claims that he can bring down the government through the defection of enough government MPs by his announced target of September 16.

Police-Military Joint Exercise to Maintain Public Order

7.  (C) At a joint press conference between the Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan and Armed Forces Chief Abdul Aziz Zainal on July 2, Musa Hassan stated that the cooperation between the security forces is crucial because political parties, NGOs, and individuals were organizing more illegal assemblies.  They announced the police and armed forces began a joint training exercise to maintain crowd control and public order.

Musa said the police and military would work together to tackle illegal assemblies only if absolutely necessary and in the event of a declared emergency.  The tabletop command post exercise began July 2 is expected to run until July 7.  Another joint exercise is planned in September (coinciding with the deadline Anwar set to bring down the ruling government).

The last time joint police and military force was used to maintain public order was during the politically motivated 1969 race riots.  In 1974, a contingent of rangers was deployed to university campuses to control student protests (coincidentally led by then student activist Anwar Ibrahim).

Police chief Musa Hassan stated use of military forces during a public disturbance would only take place after consultation with the Home Ministry and Defense Ministry.  A senior military staff member told the DATT that the military is not anxious to take on police roles, but is closely watching events.

Comment

8.  (C) Anwar and Najib have entered a very high stakes political game.  The risks to both men are tremendous, and not limited to their political careers.  Najib will be damaged by the latest serious allegations, coming on the heels of other statements implicating him and his wife in the murder, and the existing widespread public belief that the ongoing Altantuya murder trial has been the subject of political manipulation.

Najib and the government of Prime Minister Abdullah will need to respond, both to Anwar's explosive revelations, but also to the Opposition leader's political offensive, including plans to hold nationwide rallies.

KEITH