Australia opposes the death penalty and this could lead to a diplomatic tangle between their government and that of Malaysia’s.
SYDNEY: Former commando Sirul Azhar Umar who has been sentenced to death for the murder of Mongolian Altantuya and was said to be living in Australia, would create a dilemma for the Abbott government in terms of its diplomatic relations with Malaysia.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that this was so because Australia opposed the death penalty yet had signed an extradition treaty with Malaysia in 2006.
Sirul Azhar Umar – Pic Malaysiakini
Prime Minister Tony Abbot said last week: “Australia opposes the death penalty. We oppose the death penalty for Australians at home and abroad.
“We obviously respect the legal systems of other countries but where there is an attempt to impose the death penalty on an Australian, we make the strongest possible diplomatic representations.”
The paper reported that Malaysian police say they will ask Australian authorities to arrest and extradite Sirul Azhar Umar, one of two policemen convicted over the murder of glamorous Mongolian fashion model Altantuya Shaaribuu amid allegations of high-level bribery and political intrigue in Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohmad Salleh told journalists Malaysia would seek the co-operation of the international police to arrest Sirul, a father of two.
“To date, the Malaysian Immigration Department has confirmed that he went abroad, namely Australia. He went in October last year,” he said.
“We will liaise with the Australian Federal Police if he is there but if he has left for other destinations we will liaise with Interpol to arrest him.”
“For truth-seeking Malaysians, they want to know the motive for her brutal death and if anyone high up in the political leadership was also involved in the murder,” she said.
Shaaribuu, Altantuya’s father expressed concern that Sirul was missing.
“I hope the police can find him soon, only then will justice for my beloved daughter be truly served,” he said. FMT
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