Altantuya case: Ex commando Sirul refuses to return - Lawyer

Former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar who is being detained by the Australian authorities has refused to return to the country to face his punishment, Malay daily Sinar Harian reported.

His lawyer Hasnal Rezua Merican who is now in Sydney, Australia said he had met his client to discuss on how to handle his current situation.

“Sirul said he does not want to come back. Whoever is in his situation would also say the same thing,” Hasnul was quoted in the daily.

He said in his meet, the issue of extradition was not discussed.

Sirul Azhar and chief inspector Azilah Hadri were sentenced to death by the Federal Court for murdering Mongolian part-time model, Altantuya Shaariibuu nine years ago.

Sirul Azhar, 43, however, was not present in court to hear the case as he was believed to be in Australia. Following that, the Federal Court issued a warrant of arrest for him.

The police then worked together with Interpol to trace his whereabouts in Australia for extradition purposes.

It was also reported that the government of Australia would not consent to Malaysia's request for an extradition order as it involved the death penalty.

Australia is among the countries that do not have provision for the death penalty in their laws.

Sirul Azhar was arrested in Brisbane on Jan 12 and detained for a few days at the immigration detention centre.

His lawyers arrived in Sydney on Sunday to meet him and are expected to return on Thursday.

ALTANTUYA CASE CHRONOLOGY