The family of murdered Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu need only put up a security bond of RM60,000, for their civil suit against the government and those whom they hold responsible for her violent death in October 2006.

The Shah Alam High Court reduced the quantum this morning, after hearing lawyer Karpal Singh’s application.

Judge Zaleha Yusof agreed to a security bond of RM30,000 each for the government and political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda. They had asked for RM1.25 million.

The two policemen convicted last April of Altantuya’s murder - Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar - did not request a security bond.

parliament 2008 first day 280408 setev Setev Shaariibuu (left) must also fork out RM10,000 for lawyers’ costs, but Karpal said he will set up a fund and request all members of parliament to make a donation.

"I will bring this up with my colleagues in Parliament and we will pass the hat around to get all MPs to help reduce Mr Shaariibuu's burden," said Karpal.

 

"We will probably need around three months to collect this (sum), so that the trial can proceed."

 

The suit will begin after the hearing of the appeal by Azilah and Sirul to overturn the sentence of the death penalty.

Damages and costs sought

Shaariibuu, his spouse Altantsetseg Sanjaa, and their two grandsons Mungunshagai Bayarjargal and Altanshagai Munkhtulga - aged 13 and eight - had filed the suit on June 4, 2007.

Altantuya’s family members are now the guardians of her children, one of whom suffers from a medical disorder which requires expensive treatment.

The family wants damages for suffering, sorrow, and physical and mental anguish. As executors of Altantuya’s estate and on behalf of the dependents, they are also seeking special, aggravated and punitive damages.

They are also expected to ask for legal costs and loss of earnings and additional damages that could include funeral and travel expenses, and the cost of police and forensic reports.