Association slams Bar Council’s motion calling for AG’s resignation

KUALA LUMPUR: The Judicial and Legal Service Officers Association (JALSOA) yesterday hit out at the Malaysian Bar Council’s move to debate on a motion calling for the resignation of Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali at the council’s annual general meeting this Saturday.

The executive committee of JALSOA in a press statement said the Bar Council’s action appeared to dispute a transparent legal process under the Federal Constitution.

The committee said should the motion proceeded, it could be seen as interfering in the exercise of the Attorney-General’s power and discretion as provided under Clause (3) Article 145 of the Federal Constitution.

The committee said the Bar Council’s move would incur the unhappiness of JALSOA which was part of the nation’s legal institution in carrying out its duties to uphold justice and protect the rule of law.

“In line with Article 15 (1) of the JALSOA constitution, an extraordinary meeting will be held to debate motions including rejecting efforts by any parties including the Bar Council to interfere in the affairs of the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers to carry out its duties and discretion as provided under the Federal Constitution,” the committee said.

The JALSOA annual general meeting will be held on March 30.

At its 70th annual general meeting, the Bar Council will also debate a motion to call on the Solicitor General to carry out its role as the Public Prosecutor in high-profile cases as the Bar Council viewed the Attorney-General as no longer qualified to act as the Public Prosecutor. - Bernama