.png)
THE family of the late Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu has refunded RM4.7 million to the government following the Court of Appeal’s decision, clearing the federal government of legal responsibility for her murder about 20 years ago.
The family's lawyer, Sangeet Kaur Deo, said the amount previously paid pursuant to a conditional stay order by the Shah Alam High Court, comprising the full judgment sum and all accrued interest, had been remitted in full to the government.
"The amount was preserved untouched in the stakeholder account from the moment it was received, in strict compliance with the court's order.
"Not a single cent was utilised for any purpose," she said in a statement.
She said the same course was taken in respect of Abdul Razak Baginda's RM1.38 million, with the remittance effected in accordance with the deductions ordered by the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that the government was not vicariously liable for the actions of former policemen Sirul Azhar Umar and Azilah Hadri, as they were not performing official duties at the time of Altantuya's murder.
The appellate court, however, upheld the High Court's finding that Razak, along with Sirul and Azilah, is liable for her death.
In 2022, the High Court ordered the government and Razak to jointly and severally pay RM5 million in damages, plus interest from the date the suit was filed.
The refund followed a 2025 High Court decision ordering the government and Razak to pay RM4.7 million each, totalling RM9.4 million to Altantuya's family, with the sum deposited pending the outcome of their appeals.
"As Altantuya's father has consistently said, this case has never been about money. What he seeks are answers, accountability and acknowledgement," added Sangeet. - February 5, 2026