Mahfuz Omar to Sirul: You can confide in me

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS information chief Datuk Mahfuz Omar has offered himself the role of a confidant to Kpl Sirul Azhar Umar who is now said to be in Australia.

Sirul failed to appear in the Federal Court which last week sentenced him and former chief inspector, Azilah Hadri, 38, to death for the October 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu. The court issued a warrant for Sirul's arrest.

Mahfuz said he was prepared to listen to Sirul’s "side of the story" after claims from his mother that the former Special Action Unit policeman "only acted according to instructions."

“There must be a motive behind this murder. Sirul’s mother had claimed that her son was just performing his duty,” Mahfuz, the Pokok Sena MP, told a press conference.

“I hope Sirul can contact me at 019-4422685, also through whatsapp and Facebook. He can also email me at [e-mail],” said Mahfuz.

Mahfuz said he was not looking for publicity, adding "I shed a tear on being informed what was relayed to me by the mother."

“So, Sirul please come back and make a statement,” he said.

When asked, Mahfuz said he was not defending Sirul but merely seeking the truth.

“I never said he did not commit the murder, but I am questioning why the motive was never revealed to the public,” he said.