A-G Apandi told to take leave

Dr M: His duties will be carried out by the Solicitor-General

PUTRAJAYA: Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali has been told to go on leave and his duties will be carried out by the Solicitor-General for the time being, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said the Government was investigating various public officers believed to have committed wrongdoings and stressed that action will be taken to stop them from leaving the country.

Asked if Apandi has been suspended, the Prime Minister said a police report needed to be lodged first before an investigation is carried out, and only at that time would actions such as suspension be taken.

“We need a basis for an investigation. At the moment, we have yet to lodge a formal report although there are many allegations made against the A-G,” he told a packed press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here yesterday.

“We need a report and based on that, a full investigation will be carried out.

“When the investigation is carried out, action can be taken, including suspending him or barring him from travelling outside the coun- try,” he explained.

The Prime Minister said although the A-G’s contract was renewed recently, the Government would go through the proper process to initiate an investigation against Apandi.

“While he is on leave, the Solicitor-General will take over his work and will cover his job,” he added.

Dr Mahathir also said the Government cannot set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) until concrete charges are drawn up.

“Only then can we set up an RCI into the many aspects of 1MDB,” he said.

Asked if any more individuals will be investigated, Dr Mahathir said he needed to get a full report before acting further.

“I want to do things based on rules and procedures,” he said.

He also said Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad decided to resign entirely of his own accord.

“That is his choice. If the investigation reveals a case against him, then we will take action,” he said.

Dr Mahathir, however, did not confirm whether or not Dzulkifli was among those who have been barred from going abroad.