The political analyst at the centre of an investigation into the murder of a Mongolian model lost his bid for release and will remain in custody for another two days, his lawyer said today.

Lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said that despite his objections the magistrate extended the detention order against the well-known analyst.

"The extension on the remand was allowed for several reasons but the main one is that they (police) have not had enough time to complete investigations," Muhammad Shafee was quoted by state news agency Bernama as saying.

"The investigations were disrupted because my client was in hospital," he said, adding that he did not think the measure would be extended past Thursday.

The analyst was brought under heavy police escort to the court where he managed to speak for a few minutes to his wife, 19-year old daughter and other members of his family.

He was then taken to police headquarters before being driven back to the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, where he is being treated for a chest infection.

Gruesome murder

He was detained a week ago as police investigate the murder of 28-year old Altantuya Shaariibuu.

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

The murder has created a sensation in Malaysia as the analyst, said to have been her lover, is connected to a number of senior politicians including deputy premier Najib Abdul Razak.

Three members of Malaysia's police force have also been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder.