PUTRAJAYA: The Mongolian government and the family of Altantuya Shaariibuu want Abdul Razak Baginda held in remand until the appeal against his acquittal is disposed of.

They want Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to appeal against the High Court decision which acquitted Razak of abetting in the murder of Altantuya.

Karpal Singh, who is holding a watching brief for the Mongolian government and the victim's family, said this was to ensure that Razak did not abscond if the appeal against his acquittal was allowed.

"I have sent a letter to the A-G to file an appeal against Razak's acquittal."

Karpal said he was acting on the instruction of Siizkhuu Sainbileg, the second secretary of the Mongolian Embassy in Bangkok and Altantuya's father, Dr Shaariibuu Setev.
Siizkhuu and Shaariibuu were at the Shah Alam High Court last week when the judge acquitted Razak.

The public prosecutor, who is also the A-G, has till Nov 17 to file the appeal.

Karpal said Section 56A of the Courts of Judicature Act provided that the Court of Appeal may, on the application of the public prosecutor, issue a warrant of arrest against Razak, or offer bail, pending disposal of the appeal.

Kuala Lumpur Bar Criminal Practice Committee chairman Datuk N. Sivananthan said applying for a remand order was at the discretion of the public prosecutor.

"Remanding Razak after his acquittal of an alleged crime amounts to punishing him further."

Sivananthan said it must be remembered that Razak was on a personal bond of RM1 million on Nov 24, 2006 after he was charged with abetment.

He said Razak conducted himself well during the period.

The court revoked the bail on Jan 5, last year and Razak was held at Sungai Buloh prison.

Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 32, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 37, who are charged with the murder of Altantuya had been ordered to enter their defence.

Judge Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin has fixed hearing on Nov 10.

Zaki said the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Razak.

Razak was charged with abetting the two policemen in the murder of Altantuya between 9.54am on Oct 18 and 9.45am on Oct 19, 2006.