KUALA LUMPUR – The Royal Malaysia Police will discuss with relevant parties including the Attorney-General and the courts on the possibility of seeking repatriation for Sirul Azhar Umar, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain also confirmed the release of the former policeman from an immigration detention centre in Australia yesterday.
“The application for repatriation needs to be asked to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) because this involves the Malaysian and Australian governments,” he told Bernama today.
He added that there was no obstacle for the police to see Sirul in Australia.
“We have officers there and we can actually see Sirul Azhar because he is free,” he said.
The media today reported that Sirul was released from the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney after spending nine years in custody.
His release follows the country’s High Court decision on November 8, stating that non-citizen detainees who cannot be deported cannot be held indefinitely by immigration authorities.
In 2009, Sirul and Azilah Hadri were sentenced to death after being found guilty of the murder of Altantuya in 2006. The Court of Appeal overturned the judgement but the Federal Court reinstated it.
In between those last two decisions, Sirul fled to Australia where he was detained by Australian immigration authorities. – November 12, 2023