PANDEMONIUM IN PARLIAMENT AS GOVT UNABLE TO ANSWER WHY DID NAJIB SACK GANI PATAIL AS AG

KUALA LUMPUR - Parliament became chaotic tonight after DAP-Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo questioned the removal of former Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail in July this year.

Gobind brought the matter up in a question to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri, when he asked her to explain the removal, which he alleged was a misuse of power by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“He was removed from office on the excuse that he was sick. Number one, he (Abdul Gani) was not informed of the reason. Number two, Malaysians last night saw him attending a forum at the Bar Council and he looked well and he himself said he was feeling well,” Gobind said.

“Number three, if we look at the statement issued by Kota Belud (Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan) as BN strategic director, who had said that when the Pekan MP found out about the existence of a ‘charge sheet’, he needed to remove certain people in order to retain his position.

“Therefore, these are sound factors, and one thing we need to look at and understand is the interference in this matter, which was done specifically to ensure that Pekan remained in power. This is an abuse of power,” he alleged whilst demanding for an explanation from Nancy.

In her reply, Nancy explained that the decision made by the government to replace Abdul Gani was done in accordance with the law.

She added that the main reason in replacing Abdul Gani with a new A-G was the health factor, in which Abdul Gani was not healthy enough to continue shouldering the responsibilities as an A-G.

“That (what was claimed by Gobind) was your assumption. Now he is healthy, but at the time, he frequently required dialysis. What is important is that it was done in accordance with the law,” Nancy, who is also Batang Sadong MP, said.

In related developments, Gobind, when met at the Parliament lobby, said “15 minutes was not enough, especially since we have been waiting since morning”.

Gani Patail

“I asked a relevant question which is being discussed openly among the rakyat. They said Gani was dropped due to health reasons, but last night he appeared at the forum and claimed he was feeling well.

“But she (Nancy) declined to answer my question and this is an insult as a lawyer,” Gobind added.

Nancy, when met after wrapping up the debate on behalf of the Prime Minister’s Department, defended her move in not responding to the allegations put forth by Gobind.

“The question was not addressed to my department,” she said briefly.

Abdul Gani’s services as the A-G was terminated on July 27 on health reasons.

He held the post since 2002 and was replaced by former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali. - Therakyatpost