Time to replace the A-G, says Utusan

Utusan Malaysia says A-G Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail's poor health means it is time for him to step down. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, May 3, 2015.

Umno mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia today said Putrajaya should seek a replacement for Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, citing his ailing health and long years in service.

The paper's editors, writing under the pseudonym Awang Selamat, said although Gani's contribution in the past 12 years could not be denied, the time has come for him to step down.

Awang also cited complaints over the A-G's delay in acting on offences related to the goods and services tax (GST) and insults against Islam and the royalty.

"Rumour has it that Gani is on leave due to health problems. Let us pray that he recovers quickly. Personally, Awang is of the opinion that it is not right for Gani to continue to be burdened by such a heavy and challenging task," said the weekly column, "Bisik-Bisik Awang Selamat", which added that Gani was not interested in continuing on the A-G when his contract expires.

"When you reach a certain point in life, your health and time spent with your family become more precious. Let someone else take up the challenge. Who could that be?" it asked.

Opposition politicians have long called for Gani to step down over his alleged bias in prosecution as well as power abuse.

Last year, Gani refused to take action against Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali over his call to burn bibles, saying Ibrahim's intention was to protect the sanctity of Islam.

Meanwhile, PKR Youth chief, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who was twice acquitted under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA), has filed a suit for malicious prosecution and abuse of power by the A-G.

In January last year, Umno lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah expressed his readiness to become the next A-G, saying public service was more important than making money.

- TMI