Six months have passed since the Federal Court upheld the conviction and death sentence for two former police commandos, Sirul Azhar Umar and Azilah Hadri.
However, Ram Karpal, who is representing Shaariibuu Setev, the father of murdered Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu in his RM100 million suit, believes the Malaysian government has not made any application to extradite Sirul, who is in Australia.
The Bukit Gelugor MP said he inquired in Parliament twice over the matter but the answer has not been positive.
"I believe the Malaysian government has not made any application to extradite Sirul. I have not heard of any.
"That is why we have to make this application to give the amended statement of claim to Sirul in Australia as he is not represented in the suit.
"As for the others, they are here in Malaysia and it is not a problem," Ram Karpal told reporters after the case today.
In Parliament on March 3, Ram Karpal had questioned on the matter and the Home Ministry replied that it was in the process of commencing extradition proceedings.
The ministry said it would be a lengthy process despite the extradition treaty between Malaysia and Australia signed in November 2005.
However, Ram had then commented that the government should do something about it.
Sirul, who fled to Australia before the court verdict, is currently being detained at the Villawood immigration detention facility near Sydney.
Australia has legislation barring the extradition of those facing the death penalty and this created the problem.
Court should not have delivered judgment
Meanwhile, Ram Karpal said the Federal Court should have waited for Sirul to return before delivering its judgment on Jan 13.
In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini in February, the former police commando claimed that he was acting under orders and had been made a scapegoat.
His remarks once again set the wheels of speculation in motion, since Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was implicated in the murder case but cleared of any wrongdoing.
In April, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad rekindled the issue when he called on the police to investigate Sirul’s claims.
This forced Najib to once again reiterate his innocence.
It was reported that Sirul had appointed Australian lawyer, Matthew Gollan, from the Wentworth Chambers to represent him should an extradition request be made. - M'kini
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