KEPONG MP Lim Lip Eng yesterday lodged a police report urging the authorities to reopen investigations into the 2006 murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu, joining several others who claimed there is yet no closure to this case.

It is unclear how the police are thinking of going about it but they, or any other limb of the criminal justice system should not be considered for the second bite of the cake.

It is further complicated by the statements made by Altantuya’s convicted killer, former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar, who is presently detained in Australia. It is more than disturbing to say the least.

His allegation that witnesses who instructed them (he and another police commando Azilah Hadri) to carry out this heinous crime were not called during proceedings, is being repeated by many quarters in society.

It is weighing in on the conscience of all who are familiar with the case.

Undoubtedly, Sirul’s allegations from Australia is serious enough to warrant a relook by those in authority. A neutral channel has to be deployed by our legal minds to ensure impartiality, fairness and a just outcome.

I am in agreement that Sirul’s sentence should be commuted to life imprisonment as he was the lowest link in the chain of this murder.

This will facilitate his return to assist any inquiry that is set up although we have to be wary of his afterthought evidence.

An independent inquiry on the shortcomings at all stages of the case, from investigations to proceedings, should be conducted and it should be scrutinised by legal experts.

Investigations in this inquiry, however, must resort to all of the tools available to ensure that Sirul’s version and others who are re-interviewed are consistent with the facts of the issue and that whatever afterthought evidence that is given has not been tailored in their favour.

If it is hijacked by those with vested interests, it can lead to another travesty in justice from a different perspective.

The normal process of allowing investigators to verify and clarify his evidence must be done thoroughly and professionally. The police must abstain from participating in this investigation as the allegations involve their department as well as witnesses who are still in service, apart from the fact that the two accused are ex-police officers.

Transparency this time around will be the key.

Material evidence allegedly left out has to be reviewed carefully and questions that are lingering now must be put to bed once and for all.

The relevant recommendations must in all totality recommend action on all stages of proceedings where negligence was found.

A firm hand will ensure that justice is done apart from getting closure of the matter. – May 28, 2018.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.