Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has instructed the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder of 28-year-old Mongolian freelance model Altantuya Shaariibuu.

According to Bernama , the premier said he was briefed on the case by Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan.

"I told the IGP he has to investigate the case thoroughly and properly through due process.

"Nobody is above the law. That should be remembered," he said when asked to comment on the high-profile murder that took place about two weeks ago.

The police have detained a 46-year-old prominent political analyst who heads a local think-tank and remanded him for five days from yesterday to facilitate investigations.

On the involvement of police personnel in the murder, Abdullah, who is also Internal Security Minister, said action must be taken against anybody found guilty under the law.

Three police personnel - a chief inspector, a lance corporal and a constable - have also been remanded to assist investigations.

Altantuya was shot before her body was blown up to bits with explosives at a secondary jungle in Puncak Alam, Shah Alam.

The woman arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 9 with her sister and a cousin in search of the political analyst whom she claimed fathered her 16-month-old son.

Altantuya's case came to light after her sister lodged a police report following her disappearance on Oct 21.

Police identified the political analyst, who is said to have befriended the deceased a few years ago, as a suspect.

Yesterday, Mongolian honorary consul Syed Abdul Rahman Alhabshi said the deceased's father and her son will be coming to Kuala Lumpur.