A Malaysian police officer convicted of murdering a Mongolian woman remains free in Australia despite calls for his extradition to face justice in Malaysia. Sirul Azhar Umar, who was found guilty of killing Altantuya Shaariibuu, a 28-year-old mother of two and translator, has avoided return to Malaysia due to Australian laws barring extradition of individuals who may face the death penalty.
Altantuya was reportedly killed after becoming entangled in a high-profile Malaysian corruption scandal. Sirul was sentenced to death in 2009 alongside fellow officer Azilah Hadri; however, the conviction was overturned on appeal four years later. In January 2015, both were reconvicted for the murder. Sirul fled Malaysia shortly before the reconviction and arrived in Australia, where he was detained after overstaying a tourist visa.
He spent eight years in Sydney’s Villawood immigration detention centre before his release three years ago, following a landmark Australian High Court ruling that prohibits indefinite immigration detention. Since his release, Sirul’s exact location is unknown, but he is reported to have access to public healthcare, social welfare, and is permitted to work.
Efforts to extradite Sirul have been hampered by Australian policies against sending individuals back to countries where they face capital punishment. The Mongolian government has urged Australia and Malaysia to reach a diplomatic arrangement ensuring Sirul would not be executed if returned. Former Mongolian Prime Minister and special envoy Gombojavyn Zandanshatar emphasized the importance of pursuing justice for Altantuya, whom he described as “one of us.” He called on both countries to find a lawful diplomatic solution, stating that the lack of enforcement against Sirul undermines justice for the victim’s family and the rule of law.
Australia’s government has declined to comment on the case, citing privacy considerations and withholding details of any extradition proceedings. Greens leader Senator David Shoebridge has criticized the government’s silence, arguing that transparency is needed given the serious nature of the crime and the public interest involved. Shoebridge described the murder as “horrific” and urged that Australia has an obligation to facilitate Sirul’s extradition to Malaysia.
The case remains a point of contention between the involved governments, with diplomatic and legal challenges continuing to obstruct a resolution more than a decade after the murder occurred.