Al Jazeera will stand by the work of its journalist Mary Ann Jolley, whose 30-minute documentary titled ‘Murder in Malaysia’ has ruffled feathers in Putrajaya.

A spokesperson from its headquarters in Doha also denied the media organisation has an agenda with regard to the report on the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.

“‘Murder In Malaysia’ is a detailed and thorough report into a murder mystery that continues to have many unanswered questions.

“The film follows the facts while also raising new developments, particularly in relation to Sirul Azhar Umar, who currently resides in detention in Australia,” said the spokesperson in an email communique to Malaysiakini .

He said Al Jazeera takes seriously its editorial independence and stands by the work of its journalists who provide exemplary and fair coverage at all times.

“Every effort is always taken to ensure that the right of reply is given to all those mentioned in our reporting.

“We would like to reiterate that we are an independent international news organisation with no agenda whatsoever in all the stories that we produce,” he added.

On the same note, Al Jazeera said it would cooperate with Malaysian authorities who are investigating the report.

Police probe and conspiracy claim

Among others, the documentary claimed Sirul, one of two former police commandos convicted of murdering the Mongolian national, attempted to blackmail Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

It also quoted an unnamed relative of Sirul claiming that Abdul Razak Baginda had pulled the trigger.

This led to inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar ordering an investigation against the Australian-based journalist. He also did not rule out action being taken against those who fed her wrong information.

Yesterday, Khalid was embroiled in an argument with another Al Jazeera journalist during a press conference.

"You are trying to cook up something based on what is not true. You are trying to plant new evidence in the case. What are you trying to do?" he told the journalist.

The journalist responded that Al Jazeera has no ulterior motive.

Meanwhile, Najib claimed the report was part of a conspiracy to oust him from power.

The prime minister was dragged into the 2006 case after his close confidant Razak Baginda was charged with abetting the murder.

Najib, who was then deputy prime minister, had repeatedly denied any involvement while the police had also cleared him.

Razak Baginda was later acquitted.

Whereas Sirul fled to Australia prior to the Federal Court overturning his acquittal and sentencing him and Azilah Hadri to death.

The former police commando is currently being held at an immigration detention facility in Sydney.