![[X] Zulaikha Farhana](/_ipx/q_80&s_60x60/https://cdn.newswav.com/ugc-assets/31-1700639405060-1942-1700556722855-WhatsApp-Image-2023-11-20-at-5.33.07-PM.jpeg)
In recent updates on the infamous Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case, former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar, who was previously convicted and sentenced to death, has not yet applied for a review of his sentence, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking at the 2023 PKR National Congress, the Home Minister clarified that it is only Sirul's fellow Special Action Unit commando, Azilah Hadri, also sentenced to death in 2009 for the same murder, who has sought a review of his death sentence. When pressed for information on Sirul's application status, Saifuddin stated, "There is no information yet. I can only confirm that Azilah did."
Recent reports from the New Straits Times confirmed that Azilah is among the approximately 1,000 detainees who have applied for a review of their death sentences.
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak responded to allegations of influencing Sirul, denying any interference in a statement issued by his legal firm, Shafee & Co. Najib urged Sirul to courageously disclose any information he might possess about the alleged mastermind behind the murder, emphasizing the importance of truth, transparency, and justice.
Najib's statement followed an exclusive interview with Sirul on Aljazeera English’s 101 East program, where Sirul, now 51, made his first media appearance since his release from detention over a week ago. In the interview held in Canberra, Australia, Sirul claimed he was made a scapegoat and caught in a political game, alleging that he was paid a substantial sum by a lawyer to absolve Najib of any involvement in the 2006 murder.
Despite his release from an Australian detention center, Sirul cannot be deported to Malaysia due to the Australian government's policy against returning individuals facing the death penalty.
Both Sirul Azhar Umar and Azilah Hadri were sentenced to death in 2009 for the brutal October 2006 murder of Altantuya, a case that captivated national interest and fueled enduring political conspiracy theories.
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