The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has responded to the recent interview by former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar, regarding his conviction in the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2009, calling his statements unfounded and potentially leading to more speculation.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain stated that Sirul Azhar had been given the opportunity to defend himself according to Malaysian laws and constitution.
“However, his claims were never submitted to any court that heard his case, from the High Court to the Federal Court,” Razarudin said. “If he is convinced that there is new evidence, Sirul Azhar or his lawyer can make a police report so that the authorities can take the necessary action.”
Razarudin’s comments were in response to Sirul Azhar’s recent interview by an international media, which was broadcast on television.
According to Razarudin, Sirul Azhar has not made any application to review the death sentence imposed on him, despite the Revision of Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary Jurisdiction of the Federal Court) Act 2023 giving 90 days for a death penalty offender to apply.
When asked about Sirul Azhar’s release from detention in Australia, Razarudin mentioned Malaysia’s extradition agreement with Australia, but stated that the death sentence imposed on Sirul Azhar meant that he could not be extradited to Malaysia. “This is because Australia does not recognise the death penalty,” he added.
Razarudin also explained the principle of dual criminality, one of the conditions for an extradition agreement to be implemented, and mentioned Malaysia’s Mutual Legal Assistance with many countries, including Australia, through the Mutual Assistance In Criminal Matters Act (MACMA 2002).
He concluded by stating that following the latest legal development in Malaysia, a criminal offender who has been sentenced to death and is still awaiting the execution of the sentence can be allowed to apply to the court to appeal against the death sentence. “If Sirul Azhar wishes to return to Malaysia, he or his lawyer can apply for a review of the death sentence,” he added.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain was reported to have said that Sirul Azhar’s name is still on the International Police (Interpol) red notice list even though he had been released from the Australian immigration detention, as no party had instructed him to remove the name from the list, according to a report on Nov 24.
