Abdul Razak Baginda
Abdul Razak Abdullah Malim Baginda | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 6, 1960 Malaysia |
| Occupation(s) | Political analyst, academic |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Close ties to ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak; involvement in Altantuyaa murder trial |
Abdul Razak Abdullah Malim Baginda (born 6 February 1960) is a former Malaysian political analyst known for his close ties to ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak. He came under public scrutiny in 2006 when accused of assisting in the murder of Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa, his Mongolian partner. On 31 October 2008, the Malaysian High Court acquitted him, ruling that there was no prima facie evidence to proceed with the case. While held in custody, he continued his writing and subsequently authored a book on international affairs conceived during his detention.
Early life and career
Baginda is the son of Dr Abdullah Malim Baginda, who served as chairman of the National Welfare and Social Development Council, and Rohana Abdullah. He obtained a bachelor's degree in politics and government from City Polytechnic, London (1982), followed by a master's degree in War Studies from King's College London (1984). He later achieved a D. Phil in International Relations at Trinity College, Oxford.
In 1988, Baginda commenced his career as a lecturer at the Malaysian Armed Forces Defense College and eventually became head of strategic studies. By 1993, he established the Malaysian Strategic Research Centre in Kuala Lumpur, a think tank dedicated to publishing research on international relations and hosting seminars addressing both domestic and global concerns. He has also acted as an advisor to Najib Razak.
International career
In June 2022, he took part in the Maurice Revello Tournament held in France as part of the Ghana delegation.
Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa Murder Trial
French judicial authorities have been probing corruption allegations linked to Malaysia’s 2002 acquisition of two submarines and an Agosta-class submarine from Direction des Constructions Navales International (DCNI). This $2 billion contract was facilitated by Baginda, who was then serving as a defense analyst at the Malaysian Strategic Research Centre. The investigation centers on approximately $200 million in bribes associated with firms connected to Baginda and his relatives, including Perimekar, KS Ombak Laut Sdn Bhd, and Terasasi (Hong Kong) Sdn Bhd.
Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa, a Mongolian woman reportedly employed as a French interpreter for the submarine deal and alleged mistress of Baginda, was killed after she demanded a $500,000 commission. While Baginda was acquitted of conspiracy charges by Malaysian courts, Altantuyaa’s father initiated a RM100 million civil lawsuit naming Baginda, two police officers implicated in her murder, and the Malaysian government as defendants.
On 18 July 2017, French prosecutors charged Baginda with “active and passive complicity in corruption” and “misappropriation of corporate assets,” alongside former DCNI leaders Philippe Japiot and Dominique Castellan, as well as ex-Thales International Asia executives Bernard Baiocco and Jean-Paul Perrier.
The Shah Alam High Court dismissed the lawsuit filed by Altantuyaa’s family against the police officers, government, and Baginda on 23 August 2018. Nevertheless, this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeals on 14 March 2018, reinstating the suit. Subsequently, on 6 September 2018, the federal government applied for permission to appeal that ruling.
Personal life
Abdul Razak is wed to Mazlinda, a legal professional affiliated with Lincoln's Inn and a former magistrate. Together, they have a daughter named Rowena Abdul Razak Baginda, who was born in 1987.
Following his acquittal in the Altantuyaa murder case, Abdul Razak enrolled at University of Oxford to further his education.
Publications
Abdul Razak Baginda's authored works include:
- Alliance of the proxies: USSR–Vietnam relations and the implications (1988)
- Gorbachev And The Asia Pacific Region (1990)
- Malaysia's defence & foreign policies (foreword by Mohd. Najib Tun Razak; edited by Abdul Razak Baginda, Rohana Mahmood) (1995)
- Asia in the 21st century: emerging thoughts & philosophy of an Asian century (1996)
- Asia-Pacific's Security Dilemma: Multilateral Relations Amidst Political, Social and Economic Changes (1998)
- Civic education for civil society (edited by Murray Print, James Ellickson-Brown, Abdul Razak Baginda)
- Malaysia In Transition: Politics And Society (2002)
- Sustainable development and the fight against terrorism (edited by Abdul Razak Baginda, Peter Schier) (2002)
- Malaysia and the Islamic World (2004)
- Terrorism And Sustainable Development (2005)
- Is Malaysia an Islamic state? : secularism and theocracy : a study of the Malaysian constitution (edited by Abdul Razak Baginda and Peter Schier)
- Youth leadership: the challenge of globalisation (2005)
- Malaysia and East Asia (edited by Abdul Razak Baginda) (2007)
- Malaysia's foreign policy: continuity & change (2009)
- Malaysia's defence & security since 1957 (2009)
- Malaysia at 50 & Beyond (2009)
- Governing Malaysia (2009)