You see me? My health is okay, says Gani

Former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail has made his first public speaking engagement today, declaring that his health is ‘okay’.

Apart from questions from the audience about his health, he repeatedly declined to answer any questions that are not related to the topic of the forum that he was engaged to speak, which is the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).

“On the other issue on how I am, I’m okay. I am on dialysis (treatment) three times a week. I still got to read, I still do ‘work’ – not in the office but to take care of my grandchildren […]

“I am functioning very well, but bear this in mind: When I was sitting there in the office too, I was already on dialysis. I think I had some dealings with presidents and past presidents even when I was on dialysis.

“I am here. You see me? I’m all right. Thank you,” he said tonight to the applause of the packed Bar Council’s auditorium.

He did not specify whom he was referring to when he mentioned ‘presidents and past presidents’.

The forum on Sosma was organised by the Bar Council in Kuala Lumpur.

Earlier at the beginning of the forum’s question-and-answer session, the moderator Andrew Khoo asked Gani if he would entertain questions that are not related to the forum.

“My good friend, I think it would be fair to reserve it for another day. Otherwise, I would be very boring to you in the future.

“I would like to see you guys again,” Gani replied.

'You will see me'

He reiterated his stance when swarmed by reporters after the forum.

“No, thank you. Otherwise, I will not be interesting for you another day,” he said.

When told by a reporter that he is not sure whether they will meet again, Gani said, “Of course, you will see me. I assure you I want to see you, okay? I’m sure of that.”

He then waved off any further questions and left the venue.

Gani was controversially removed from office on July 27, ostensibly due to health issues.

This came just ahead of a cabinet reshuffle that also saw critics of the 1MDB issue removed from office, and just over a month before his retirement day.

He was transferred to the Judicial and Legal Service until his retirement on Oct 5.

Since his removal, the whistleblower site Sarawak Report alleged that Gani was on the verge of charging Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak with corruption, or an alternative charge of criminal breach of trust.

This was supposedly for the transfer of RM27 million by former 1MDB subsidiary SRC International to Najib’s personal bank account.

Gani’s successor Mohd Apandi Ali had denied the allegation and said the purported draft charge sheet published by Sarawak Report was false, while Najib had consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Gani himself, however, has kept mum on the issue despite repeated attempts by reporters, including those from Malaysiakini, to contact him for comments. -Mkini