Many Malaysians are skeptical about the purported death of rogue former Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lecturer Dr Azahari Husin.

Several individuals interviewed by malaysiakini today want to see evidence that the alleged Islamic radical and bomb maker did in fact blow himself up as reported today in the media.

Jason Jacob, who is attached to a foreign embassy, said that conclusive evidence should be forthcoming if the Indonesian authorities want to assure the international community that Asia's top terror suspect was dead.

"It is very dodgy that he would die from one of his own bombs, after his bombs were alleged to have killed many others. That is too much of poetic justice," said Jacob.

Similarly, a bank officer who only wishes to be known as Stephanie, felt that the Indonesian authorities could have shown the public Azahari's head, as it was reported that even though Azahari blew himself up, his head remained identifiable.

"Even during the recent Bali bombings, the police were able to show us the three heads (photos) of alleged bombers," she said, adding that the deceased might be someone other than Azahari

A conspiracy?

An owner of Indian-Muslim restaurant in Bangsar who declined to be named, was unconvinced that Azahari, who has been running from the law for so long, can be caught under such dramatic circumstances.

Calling the entire episode an "eyewash", he claims that there is a conspiracy to fake the death of Azahari in order to pacify the international community and showing that the authorities are firm in fighting terrorism.

"The relatives are demanding DNA proof that the deceased was in fact Azahari, and yet the authorities have yet to produce it, and they probably never will," he said.

Dr Khoo Teik Seng from Kota Bharu also shared the same doubt, as he claims that Azahari was "too smart a man to be caught just like that".

However, his initial response when he read about Azahari's death this morning was, "good riddance".

Meanwhile, a businessman from Ulu Kelang Ramli Mohd questioned why Azahari only chose to centre his terrorist activities in Indonesia while avoiding Malaysian soil.

"Perhaps now we'll never understand his true motives," said Ramli.