PAS MP urges Australia to safeguard Sirul, claims Altantuya killer in danger

(Malay Mail Online) – A PAS MP asked Australia today to provide protection to Sirul Azhar Umar in the event he is released from detention there, claiming that the former police commando convicted of murdering Mongolian Altantuya Sharibuu was at risk of harm.

Speaking to reporters after handing a letter to the Australian High Commission here, Datuk Mahfuz Omar claimed that Sirul may be in danger from those worried that he may reveal further details into the mysterious 2006 murder.

“Some parties are afraid that he might reveal the motive behind (the) Altantuya murder,” Mahfuz claimed.

“He may be seen as a serious threat and his revelation might destroy the credibility of certain parties.”

The Pokok Sena MP did not identify these “certain parties” or provide any evidence to support his assertion that Sirul was in danger.

Mahfuz also requested that Australia allow Sirul’s mother to enter the country and meet her son.

The Islamist party’s information chief added he has kept in touch with Sirul’s mother, but refused to reveal whether Sirul has contacted him after Mahfuz publicly asked him to do so.

In 2006, Sirul and former chief Inspector Azilah Hadri were charged with the murder of 28-year-old Altantuya and convicted by the High Court in 2009.

They were acquitted by the Court of Appeal in 2013, before ultimately having their freedom cut short by the Federal Court’s reversal of the decision last month.

Sirul failed to show up at the Federal Court on January 13 and was later revealed to be in Australia.

He has since been detained by immigration authorities there after Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest, pursuant to a request by Malaysia.

Putrajaya is in the process of seeking his extradition from Australia.

His lawyers are reportedly attempting to secure his release, with Sirul expected to challenge the extradition request in Australia.