A top political analyst with close links to government has been detained for two more days while police investigate the murder of a Mongolian model, his lawyer said today.

"Extension was given for two days until Tuesday. They (the police) applied for nine days but the magistrate refused," Muhammad Shafee Abdullah told reporters.

"It is to allow the police to complete their investigation," he added.

The 46-year-old head of the think-tank was escorted under heavy security to a local police station, where a magistrate ordered his continued detention.

Police then whisked the analyst away to the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, where he is being treated for a chest infection.

"He will be in hospital until he gets better," Muhammad Shafee said.

Murder creating storm

The analyst's immediate family, including his wife, a former magistrate, and his 19-year-old daughter were at the police station.

The analyst was detained last Tuesday as part of the investigation into the death of Altantuya Shaariibuu.

The model was killed and her body blown up with hand grenades after she was kidnapped outside the house of the analyst. Her remains were found in an isolated area south of Kuala Lumpur.

The gruesome murder has created a storm in Malaysian politics as 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.

Three members of the police force have also been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder, along with two private detectives.