The Australian government said it had discussed the situation of fugitive ex-police commando Sirul Azhar Umar with Putrajaya, but confirmed that there was no extradition request.

"The Australian government confirms that discussions have been held with the Malaysian government clarifying the situation of Sirul.

"However, as stated by Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir (Mohamad), Malaysia has not lodged an extradition request with Australia for Sirul," the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur said in a statement today.

The Guardian had reported that Canberra had approved a request to extradite Sirul within a month.

While Mahathir denied that Putrajaya had made such a request, he did hint that it could be possible in the future.

“When we reduce the sentence from death to maybe life sentence or whatever, maybe he will come back," the prime minister said.

Australian law does not allow extradition for people on death row. As such, commuting Sirul’s sentence would potentially allow Sirul to return to Malaysia.

In 2015, Sirul was convicted of murdering Mongolian national Altantuyaa Shaariibuu and sentenced to death by hanging. 

He later fled to Australia and has been staying in a detention centre there for the past three years.