SHAH ALAM: A political analyst linked to top government figures was cleared of involvement in the gruesome murder of a Mongolian woman yesterday, in a sensational case that has gripped Malaysia for two years.

The Shah Alam High Court acquitted 48-year-old Abdul Razak Baginda - a friend of Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak - of abetting the killing of 28-year-old Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Her body, shot and blown up with explosives, was found in a remote jungle near here two years ago.

Two policemen from an elite unit which guards the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have been ordered to enter their defence for the murder.

In one of the longest trials in Malaysia's history, the court spent 151 days hearing testimony from 84 witnesses.

Mr Abdul Razak faced the death penalty, but the judge ruled yesterday that there was insufficient evidence against him.

'I find there is no prima facie case for him to answer his charge. He is therefore acquitted and discharged forthwith,' said Judge Mohamed Zaki Mohamed Yasin.

On hearing the decision, Mr Abdul Razak smiled and hugged his wife and daughter, who both shed tears of joy. His mother cried out 'Alhamdullillah' or 'Thank God'.

Outside the court, the beaming political analyst would only say: 'I just want to go home.'

A horde of journalists mobbed him and his family as they made their way to their Volvo SUV, but he declined to answer questions.

The other two accused - Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 32, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 37 - remained in court and appeared calm on hearing that the case against them will continue.

The dead woman's father, Mr Setev Shaariibuu, who has repeatedly criticised the handling of the case, said he was disappointed. 'My daughter is dead and Baginda is freed...the country has lost credibility in the (eyes of the) world,' he said.

The case has made headlines since Mr Abdul Razak was arrested at his office in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 7, 2006.

Although he admitted having an affair with Ms Altantuya, he vehemently denied involvement in her murder.

His links to Deputy PM Najib led to persistent allegations, especially over the Internet, that the latter had been involved in the Mongolian's death.

Mr Najib has denied all these allegations vehemently, and even swore in a mosque that he never knew the dead woman.

Deputy public prosecutor Tun Majid Tun Hamzah said the acquittal could be contested. 'We will consider appealing the decision,' he said. 'The battle is not over yet.'

Yesterday's court decision was much anticipated. Local and foreign media representatives began waiting outside the courtroom from as early as 5.30am for the ruling which began at 9am.

While Mr Abdul Razak's release was a relief to his family, analysts said it would also ease pressure on Mr Najib, who is expected to take over as prime minister in March.

Professor James Chin of Monash University Malaysia Campus said: 'The acquittal means that Datuk Seri Najib is stronger politically now. If he was found guilty, then you could have drawn a line between the two.'

But few expected yesterday's outcome to stop the speculation and murmurs of suspicion that have swirled endlessly around the case.

As some analysts noted, not all the questions raised over the past two years have been answered.

It was a trial that courted controversy on various fronts, including the several changes made to the prosecution team, the judge as well as location of the hearing.

But Mongolia's Honorary Consul in Malaysia, Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi, said there was no political interference in the High Court's decision to acquit and discharge Mr Abdul Razak.

hazlinh@sph.com.sg

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