Clad in a white baju Melayu and black pants with a matching songkok, Najib Razak today took a ‘sumpah laknat’, or religious oath, to deny allegations made by a Azilah Hadri that he ordered the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.
“I have never directed anyone to kill a Mongolian citizen named Altantuya Shaariibuu and I have never met, nor do I know the deceased,” he told a congregation numbering about 500 at Masjid Jamek in Kampung Baru after Friday prayers today.
“May Allah punish me if I have lied and may Allah punish those who have slandered me.”
Najib was accompanied by his wife Rosmah Mansor and daughter Nooryana Najwa.
This is the third time Najib has taken the ‘sumpah laknat’ in a mosque on Altantuya.
The first time was in 2007 during the Ijok by-election and the second time was at the Permatang Pauh by-election in 2008.
Before Najib took the oath at 2.07pm, Ustaz Husam Baderuddin told the congregation that he had explained the implications of the oath to the former premier.
“I have explained the reasons and risks involved and I hope that people will not belittle this procedure as there are quarters who say that this is done for politics.
“This ceremony has fulfilled all the requirements of the religion and it is hoped that all the slander against him is lifted to Allah,” said Husam.
After taking the oath, Najib and his wife and daughter were escorted to the mosque’s VIP room for lunch.
When met after lunch, Najib told reporters: “I have said enough today. Thank you for coming”.