Former private investigator P Balasubramaniam and his lawyers  expressed disappointment over the cancellation of a proposed trip by officers of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to record his statement in London.

NONE Balasubramaniam had flown into London from India after MACC officers contacted his lawyers to express their intention to interview him in connection with his retraction of statutory declaration and events surrounding the death of Altantuya Shaariibu, a Mongolian interpreter.

During a press conference held at the Holiday Villa yesterday, the private eye and his three-member legal team said "the ball was now in their (MACC) court."

"We are going to make a point. We are now here, and my client, Balasubramaniam, has always been ready and willing to assist the MACC if they want to interview him," said lawyer Americk Sidhu, adding that if the agency still wanted to interview Balasubramaniam, "this time they have to do on our terms entirely as they've missed a golden opportunity."

Sidhu alleged that the MACC was apprehensive about coming to London to hear the truth.

"We are very, very disappointed," he said.

According to Balasubramaniam's counsel, Manjeet Singh Dhillon, "what we intended to do if MACC had come to London to interview Bala, was for him to highlight a whole series of events surrounding this Altantunya matter."

Dhillon said the police had recorded no less than five statements from Balasubramaniam.

'Bribed, cajoled, threatened'

Balasubramaniam was hired as a private investigator by Abdul Razak Baginda after it was alledged that Altantunya was harrassing him for non-payment of commission after the purchase of submarines.

abdul razak baginda altantuya murder 141108 Abdul Razak Baginda, a former political analyst, who was charged with abetting in the Mongolian’s murder, was acquitted by the Shah Alam High Court on October 31, 2008 after judge found no prima facie case against him.

After the death of Altantunya, Balasubramaniam had made a statutory declaration (SD) relating to the murder but withdrew it the day after through a second sworn declaration.

"The way Bala was treated after the first SD on 3rd July  2008; he was immediately apprehended, bribed, cajoled, threatened and removed from the jurisdiction of Malaysia," Dhillon asserted.

Balasubramaniam  admitted that he was apprehensive about returning to Malaysia and alleged that he could be thrown into detention.

The former private investigator said he would be interviewed by the French authorities on July 12 in connection with the commission paid for the purchase of the submarines after which he would fly back to India to meditate in the Himalayas.

"When the MACC called me to come to London, I came here, " he said.

The press conference was also attended by Federal Territory PKR chief Zaid Ibrahim, fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin

and members of the alternative media.  

- Bernama

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