Malaysian university slammed for talk by murdered Mongolian’s ex-lover
A Malaysian university has drawn anger over an event invitation to Abdul Razak Baginda, the former lover of a Mongolian woman whose body was blown up with military-grade explosives in one of the country’s most notorious murders. The controversy has spread beyond social media to the International Islamic University Malaysia’s own academics, who on Thursday called for a review of Abdul Razak’s…
A Malaysian university, the International Islamic University Malaysia, has faced backlash over plans to host a lecture by Abdul Razak Baginda, the ex-lover of a Mongolian woman whose murder shocked the nation. Altantuya Shaariibuu, a 28-year-old model, was killed in 2006, her body dismembered with military explosives. Abdul Razak, who had a liaison with Altantuya, is slated to speak on "Asia's Heroes and Villains: A Study of Leadership" at the university's ISTAC.
His controversial past includes involvement in a high-stakes $1.1 billion submarine deal as an adviser to the former Malaysian Defence Minister, Najib Razak. Despite being acquitted of her murder in 2008, Abdul Razak was found civilly liable in a 2022 court ruling. This has raised concerns among ISTAC's academics who have called for a review of his participation, citing his legal history as incompatible with the institute's mission of intellectual and moral integrity.
The Academic Staff Association of the university has also expressed reservations, urging the ISTAC to consider alternative speakers or ensure Abdul Razak is challenged on his leadership and accountability.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
