Teleconference ends after 15 failed attempts to reach Sirul Azhar

The planned teleconference between PAS’s Datuk Mahfuz Omar and ex-commando Sirul Azhar Umar did not materialise despite attempts to reach him for 15 times.

The PAS’s information chief said they had contacted an individual believed to be Sirul via a SMS at 10.40am today.

“I had stated about the number that I will be using to reach him. And the message was replied OK,” Mahfuz said.

However, the teleconference which was supposed to begin at 11.30am was called off an hour later after numerous attempts.

During the time, Mahfuz had to fend off questions from the media on the motive of the press conference called by him and the integrity and identity of the individual believed to be Sirul Azhar.

“The press conference is a chance for Sirul Azhar to explain the motive for the murder. We want to know what happened,” he said.

Mahfuz said he will be visiting Sirul Azhar in Australia next week with his family.

Sirul Azhar and former chief inspector Azilah Hadri, had been sentenced to death for their involvement in the Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder in 2006.

On Thursday, Najib had described the allegations by Sirul Azhar as "rubbish" when asked about his claims that "an important figure" in the Altantuya murder case was still roaming free.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had reportedly said, Sirul Azhar was entitled to make disclosures regarding the murder.

Sirul Azhar, in an interview with online portal Malaysiakini said he was under orders in the murder case. He said he is mulling a tell-all interview with Australian media on the case.

Last month, the Federal Court had issued a warrant of arrest on Sirul who did not turn up in court for the verdict. In criminal proceedings, the accused person should be present in court when his case is called up in court.

The Court had overturned the acquittal of Azilah, 38, and Sirul, 43, for the murder Altantuya and sentenced them to the gallows.