A top political analyst with close links to senior politicians, being held by police investigating the murder of a Mongolian model, has been hospitalised, his lawyer said Saturday.

"The analyst was brought to the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital last night," Muhammad Shafee Abdullah told AFP.

"He is admitted in the coronary care unit and is treated for chest infection," he added.

The model, Altantuya Shaariibuu, was kidnapped outside the house of the analyst, who heads the Malaysian Strategic Research Centre think-tank.

She was killed and her remains blown up with hand grenades and found in an isolated area south of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

The analyst, 46, was detained Tuesday as part of the police investigation and is being held by police until Sunday. Three members of Malaysia's police force have also been arrested for alleged involvement in the murder, along with two private detectives.

Before magistrate tomorrow

The slaying has rocked the political establishment because the analyst, who had been her lover, is connected to a number of senior politicians, including Deputy Premier Najib Razak, who is also defence minister.

Muhammad Shafee said the analyst would appear before a magistrate Sunday when his remand order expired.

The police could either free him, extend his detention period or charge him.

"I am confident he will be freed with such flimsy evidence," he said.

Muhammad Shafee also urged the police to allow him access to his client.

"I demand legal access to my client. And so far the police have not granted such a right guaranteed by the constitution," he said.