Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak cannot continue to keep his 'elegant silence' on the murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu given that his confidante, Abdul Razak Baginda, has been implicated in the gruesome case.

So said Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang ( left ) today, who pointed out that two Special Operations Force (UTK) officers - chief inspector Azilah Hadri, 30 and corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 35 - were charged for Altantuya's murder.

Former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim had revealed at a press conference yesterday that from his personal experience, the UTK officers were assigned to protect the deputy prime minister and they work under his instructions.

"Malaysians want to know what Najib has to say on the involvement of the UTK officers and his confidante Razak Baginda in the Mongolian murder involving C4 explosives," said Lim.

Razak Baginda, 46 - a renowned political analyst who heads a think-tank linked to Najib - has been charged for abetting the murder of the Mongolian woman. If found guilty, the three accused will face the death penalty.

PM must order probe

Lim called on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to order a "full and credible investigation" to clear the implication of any government leader in the heinous murder of the 28-year-old woman.

"Abdullah cannot be unaware of the swirling rumours and speculations over the case which are most damaging to the government and country, both nationally and internationally," said Lim.

"In the name of accountability, transparency, credibility and integrity, Abdullah must not turn a deaf ear but must ensure that these damaging rumours and speculations could be firmly put to rest with comprehensive and independent investigations."

He also said that questions raised regarding the Mongolian woman's role in the RM4.1 billion submarine deal and the payment of US$100 million commission, must also be thoroughly investigated.

Bail not extended

Last December, the Defence Ministry denied having paid a Malaysian-owned company US$100 million (RM370 million) as a commission for a multi-billion ringgit deal involving the sale of two submarines by France.

The company, Perimekar, is owned by Ombak Laut, which in turn is co-owned by Abdul Razak.

Lim added that the investigation should be "independent and separate from the criminal murder trial". The murder trial will be heard at the Shah Alam High Court on March 10 next year.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal today rejected Abdul Razak's appeal to overturn the High Court's decision to refuse an extension of his RM1 million bail.