14-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has raised concerns about the death penalty in the potential extradition of former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar back to Malaysia. Razarudin emphasized the challenge arising from the differing punishment standards between Malaysia and Australia, where Sirul is currently residing.
Speaking on Tuesday, Razarudin highlighted the disparity in the criminal justice systems of both countries, noting that Malaysia retained the death penalty, albeit with discretionary application. He explained, “That means if the sentence there is life imprisonment, then it is the same here. In Sirul’s case, there is no death penalty there (Australia), but (we have it).”
The IGP pointed out that Australia might be reluctant to cooperate in Sirul’s extradition as long as the death sentence remains applicable in Malaysia. He suggested that unless Sirul voluntarily chooses to return or appeals to the Malaysian court to review his punishment, the extradition may face hurdles.
In 2009, Sirul Azhar Umar, along with accomplice former chief inspector Azilah Hadri, was convicted of the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu and sentenced to death. Although the Court of Appeal overturned their sentences in 2013, the Federal Court upheld the sentences upon the prosecution’s appeal. Subsequently, Sirul fled to Australia, where he was detained after Interpol issued a red notice.
Last week, Sirul was released following a decision by the Australian High Court on November 8, ruling that non-citizens unable to be deported could no longer be detained indefinitely. Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28, was allegedly shot dead before her body was explosively disposed of in a secondary forest near the Subang Dam in Puncak Alam, Shah Alam, in 2006.
