APANDI ASKED TO GO ON LEAVE
There have been complaints against A-G, says Dr M
EMBATTLED Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has been asked to go on leave.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday the situation concerning the A-G was a bit difficult as his contract was renewed by the previous government.
“We need to follow the law. Suspension requires several action. We want him to go on leave.
“The solicitor-general can take over temporarily.”
The solicitor-general is Datuk Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.
Asked if Apandi was asked to go on leave because of alleged cover-ups, Dr Mahathir said: “Yes, there have been complaints against the A-G. But, no formal report. On that basis, we gave him a holiday.”
He said the government would be able to investigate Apandi if there was a police report on the allegations against him.
It would also be able to suspend the attorney-general and take other action, such as barring him from going abroad.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad tendered his resignation yesterday.
Dzulkifli said he had sent a letter to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa to end his contract.
“I will report for duty at the Attorney-General’s Chambers tomorrow,” he said yesterday.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and extend my appreciation to MACC staff for their unwavering support throughout my service since Aug 1, 2016.
“I hope MACC staff will continue to carry out their responsibility to combat corruption and abuse of power in the country under the new leadership.”
He congratulated Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his appointment as prime minister.
Dzulkifli, 52, had replaced Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, who helmed the post from Jan 1, 2010 to July 31, 2016.