Apandi told to resign as attorney-general

Puchong MP Gobind Deo Singh has called on Mohamed Apandi Ali to resign as attorney-general as his position had become untenable.

"Apandi should step down as attorney-general.

“It is quite clear that the prime minister has expressed no confidence in him by saying there is no attorney-general in the country now," he said in a statement today.

The DAP lawmaker said among the examples of this lack of confidence was Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad stating in no uncertain terms that there was basis for a probe into the 1MDB scandal, contrary to the attorney-general's stance.

Apandi had in 2016 cleared former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak of wrongdoing over the multi-billion ringgit deposits in his personal bank accounts, which international investigations showed originated from 1MDB.

However, Najib claimed the money was a "donation" from a member of the Saudi royal family, and denied wrongdoing or taking public funds for personal gain.

"I am of the view that it would be difficult if not impossible for Apandi to, therefore, remain as attorney-general.

"It is the constitutional duty of the attorney-general, amongst others, to advise the prime minister and to act as public prosecutor.

"Apandi is in no position to advise the prime minister, as the prime minister has expressed no confidence in him.

"I am of the view that it is therefore untenable for Apandi to remain as attorney-general. He must, in the circumstances, resign," said Gobind. -Mkini