KUALA LUMPUR: In a congratulatory letter to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his appointment as Malaysia's seventh prime minister, the President of Mongolia, Khaltmaagiin Battulga expressed hope that justice can be served in the case of murdered model Shariibuu Altantuya.
"As the President of Mongolia, I pay special attention to the grave crime committed in Malaysia on 18 October 2006 – the murder of Ms. Shariibuu Altantuya, a Mongolian national and a mother of 2 children.
"It has created an unfavorable atmosphere in the bilateral relations between our two countries and, especially between the people.
"Therefore, I sincerely hope that Your Excellency Prime Minister will pay attention in bringing justice, implementing court decision and settling the civil suit of the family of the victim in a fair manner to invigorate the atmosphere in the bilateral relations between our two countries.”
On Dr Mahathir's reappointment, Battulga highlighted how Malaysia had developed intensively during the former's 22-year tenure as prime minister previously.
Battulga also said that during that time Malaysia's reputation in the regional and international arena had strengthened tremendously.
"It is a pleasure to recall Your Excellency’s visit to Mongolia in 1997, which has greatly contributed to the development of bilateral relations and cooperation between our two countries.
"I am confident that Your Excellency will extend valuable support in restoring and activating the traditionally friendly relations between Mongolia and Malaysia as well as strengthening the people-to-people ties," Battulga said.