A-G closes PI Bala’s case on conflicting SDs

(The Malaysian InsideR) – There will be no further investigations on private investigator P. Balasubramaniam’s conflicting statutory declarations (SDs) as the case is now closed, according to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Defacto Law Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, in a written reply in Parliament, said that the A-G’s Chambers’ decision to close the case was because Balasubramaniam’s conflicting SDs did not affect the high-profile trial of murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.

“Although there are contradictions between the two SDS, the contradictions do not affect the outcome of the trial of Altantuya. Moreover, the individual (Balasubramaniam) is still believed to be abroad,” said Nazri.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said that the decision to close the case was made after “careful consideration” of the results of the police probe and witness statements.

Nazri said that investigations on Balasubramaniam were initially conducted under Section 199 of the Penal Code for providing “false statements.”

Under this law, offenders are liable to a maximum jail term of three years and a fine.

It is understood that investigations against Balasubramaniam took place after he retracted a statutory declaration in July 2008, which implicated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor in the murder of Altantuya.

Balasubramaniam, a private investigator hired by Abdul Razak Baginda, who was also Altantuya’s lover, has made many controversial allegations including linking Najib to Altantuya’s murder.

Abdul Razak was charged with murder but was subsequently acquitted.