The Mongolian government has left Altantuya Shaaribuu's murder to the Malaysian courts to decide, said Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar today.

He was speaking to reporters after meeting with Mongolian ambassador Ya Batsuuri at the sidelines of the 57th Umno annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur.

Syed Hamid said the duo had discussed little about the model's murder and had concentrated more on how to strength bilateral ties.

"We recollected the visits of former prime minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Mongolia) and my last visit to Mongolia," he added.

Syed Hamid, who was present to receive foreign dignitaries observing the Umno general assembly, also dismissed speculations that Batsuuri delivered an official note toYang di-Pertuan Agong Tunku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra expressing alarm over the murder.

"It is just a letter of credence from his president to our King. It's normal procedure," said Syed Hamid, adding that protocol requires such letters to be issued.

"I must send you (reporters) for training in my ministry. Ambassadors are supposed to present letters of credence, they would call on Wisma Putra and we would brief them on all the procedures.

"And then we would show them how to walk and how they should present themselves (in the presence of the King). It's normal protocol. It's nothing unusual," said the foreign minister.

No complaints lodged

Syed Hamid felt Batsuuri's appointment was not related to the murder which occurred between Oct 19 and 20. "His appointment was fixed much earlier than the (murder) case," he said.

"He just presented his credentials to the Agong. We discussed about bilateral relations. I mentioned to him about the murder and that it is undergoing the due process of law. The people (involved) have been charged in court," he said.

"During a credential presentation, there is no other letter except you give a letter of good wishes and credence from his president to our King to say that this person has been appointed and wishing our King well. And the King tells that all facilitation would provided.

"He just mentioned to me that he really appreciates that action was taken very quickly (in relation to the murder) and understands the rest of it is up to the law to decide," he said.

Pressed further by reporters, Syed Hamid reiterated: "They (Mongolia) didn't come to lodge anything. It's an official visit. After he presents his credentials, usually ambassadors would call on the foreign minister.

"They understand it is up to the courts to decide. I think they understand what the rule of law is, and I hope newspapers here would also understand the same thing," he said.

Altantuya's murder made headlines in Malaysia and so far the police have charged renowned political analyst Abdul Razak Abdul Baginda and two policemen from the elite Special Action Force (UTK).

Click here to see a five-minute video clip of the press conference.