PUTRAJAYA – Authorities here are unable to investigate allegations made by ex-police commando Sirul Azhar Umar regarding his conviction in the 2006 murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, as long as the latter does not submit a request for a review of his death penalty.
According to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the government has not been informed of Sirul making such an application through his lawyers after he was released from Australian detention earlier this month.
Saifuddin referred to how former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, had yesterday called for the government here to engage with Australian authorities to facilitate Sirul’s extradition and ensure comprehensive investigation into his claims.
“If (Sirul) wishes to submit an application (for a review of his death sentence), it has to be done through his lawyers. That’s the process,” Saifuddin, who is also PKR secretary-general, said during a press conference at the party’s annual congress, here, today.
“Until that happens, the government is of the view that it will remain updated on the suggestions by (Najib).
“The final decision is up to Sirul (on whether or not to submit a review application),” he added.
Earlier today, Saifuddin reportedly confirmed that Sirul’s fellow ex-cop Azilah Hadri, who was also convicted of Altantuya’s murder, had already submitted an application for a review of his death sentence.
Azilah was among some 1,000 detainees who had applied for a review of their death sentences.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said Sirul had been given the opportunity to defend himself in line with Malaysian laws and constitution.
The Royal Malaysian Police regarded the statement by Sirul in an interview with international media regarding his conviction as unfounded and could create more speculation.
On Friday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain was reported to have said that Sirul’s name is still on the International Police’s red notice list, even though he had been released from Australian immigration detention.
He said this was because there had been no instructions from any party to remove the name from the list. – November 26, 2023