A prominent political analyst with close ties to Malaysia’s ruling party has been charged with abetting the murder of a Mongolian model whose body was reportedly blown up by explosives.

If found guilty, Abdul Razak Baginda, 46, faces a death sentence for his role in the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, a 28-year-old model, teacher and translator.

The case has gripped the nation and whipped up media frenzy unseen in recent times because of the involvement of Abdul Razak, who runs a think-tank and is known to be close to the ruling party, as well as Malaysia’s deputy prime minister. Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi pledged a thorough investigation, while the country’s police chief had promised there would be no cover-up.

Baginda’s wife, upset and angry, protested her husband’s innocence in open court. “He is a good man. I don’t know why you are doing this to him,” Mazlinda Makhzan cried out before he entered the courtroom. “Police killed the woman,” she shrieked. “Why put it on my husband?”

Two policemen -- Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 30, and Constable Sirul Azhar Umar, 35 -- were charged with killing Shaariibuu last month. The policemen, both part of an elite unit tasked with VIP protection, also face the death penalty if convicted. The three men have entered no pleas. The local press has reported Baginda had an affair two years ago with Shaariibuu, but Abdul Razak’s lawyer has insisted the two did not have a romantic relationship. A dishevelled and unshaven Abdul Razak showed no reaction as the charge was read out in a Kuala Lumpur court.

It alleged he conspired with Azilah and Sirul on October 18 to kill Shaariibuu sometime between the night of October 19 and early October 20.

“I’m convinced of my client’s innocence,” Abdul Razak’s lawyer Shafee Abdullah said after his client was taken away. There is no bail for this offence.

Prosecutors have not said how Abdul Razak knew the policemen or what their motive was in the killing of Shaariibuu.