The Mongolian government said that it would be sending representatives to monitor the high-profile trial of the brutal murder of one of its nationals in Malaysia.

In a press statement released yesterday, Ulan Bator said that representatives from the Justice and Internal Affairs Ministry as well as Foreign Affairs Ministry are expected to be sent to observe the trial which will begin in two weeks.

"We do hope the court procedures will be fair and free from political influence," said the statement.

Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, was murdered in October last year and her body blown up with explosives in a case that has shocked Malaysians.

Police have said Altantuya, a businesswoman and interpreter, was kidnapped from outside the home of Abdul Razak Baginda, a top analyst in a think-tank linked to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Trial to begin on June 4

Abdul Razak, who is married, admitted in January of having an affair with Altantuya but wanted her out of his life after she demanded money.

Her remains were found in an isolated area in November.

Abdul Razak, 46, and two police officers from the elite Special Action Force - chief inspector Azilah Hadri, 30, and corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 35 - are due to stand trial from June 4.

The trial will continue for about one month until June 29. All three face the death penalty if found guilty.

The case will proceed before recently promoted Shah Alam High Court judge Mohd Zaki Md Yassin.

Originally to be heard in March next year under a different judge, the case was brought forward after concerns were expressed that such a high profile trial, said to be linked to prominent personalities high up in the government, should have been dealt with earlier.