No one can challenge A-G’s decision on Najib’s RM2.6 billion donation, says minister

Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said says the public should not debate the attorney-general's decision on the prime minister's donation. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, January 27, 2016.

No one can challenge the attorney-general's (A-G) decision that the Prime Minister‎ Datuk Seri Najib Razak had not committed any wrongdoing in the RM2.6 billion donation and SRC International Sdn Bhd cases, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said today.

The minister in the Prime Minister's Department said the law gave the A-G the ultimate discretion on whether a case should be pursued in court, so Malaysians should stop debating the case further.

"The discretionary powers given to the attorney-general under Section 145(3) is final, it cannot be challenged or replaced by any other powers including the court.

"In other words, if any quarters do not agree with the attorney-general's‎ action in managing any charge, they have no basis to challenge it in any quorum," said Azalina in a statement.

She said all parties must respect the A-G's decision, adding that he had examined the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s reports from "all angles".

"Hence no one should question the decision," she said.

Malaysia's anti-graft authority is seeking a review of A-G Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali's decision to close investigations into the RM2.6 billion found in Najib's personal bank accounts.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said its highest management had met today and decided that it would present the investigation papers to a panel and seek a review of the case while another special panel would be set up.

The operations review panel is an independent body set up by the government to monitor MACC according to the MACC Act 2009.

It‎ also gives its views concerning cases that are not taken to court for prosecution by the public prosecutor.

Apandi said yesterday that there was “insufficient evidence” to implicate the prime minister in both cases.

“Based on facts and evidence, no criminal offences have been committed by the PM in relation to three investigation papers.

“I hereby order MACC to close the investigation papers,” Apandi said.

- TMI