MACC prepared to meet PI Bala abroad over Altantuya case

Bala has made a series of claims that involved the prime minister. — Reuters pic

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 13 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today declared it is prepared to meet private detective P. Balasubramaniam anywhere — even abroad — over his allegations linked to the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder.

The missing private investigator has made a series of claims that involve Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his family. He has denied all claims, calling them “scurrilous statements”.

"For us, Balasubramaniam is the main witness. We are prepared for it anywhere, even abroad," newly-minted MACC chief Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed told reporters here.

Last month, Bala emailed the offer to meet MACC investigators over his claims contained in a series of videotaped interviews broadcasted over the Youtube site and the Malaysia Today news portal.

Altantuya, a Mongolian interpreter, was found killed in October 2006. Political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda was acquitted of plotting her murder while two elite special action squad policemen were found guilty last year for her death.