The Malaysian Bar today clarified the "circumstances" behind its proposal for Ambiga Sreenevasan to be appointed as the attorney-general (AG).
Its president George Varughese, in a statement, said that the remark was an affirmative answer to a question framed as such.
"We wish to clarify that the circumstances under which such an impression was created, was purely accidental.
"I was asked a question as to whether Ambiga possesses the qualities of a person suitable for the position of the attorney-general, to which I replied in the positive," he said.
This answer was taken to mean that the Bar has proposed or endorsed the former Bar president and Bersih chairperson, for the post of AG, he added.
"Such an impression is inaccurate and unfortunate. There is no doubt that there are several other candidates who are also qualified and suitable for the post of the attorney-general," Varughese said.
Yesterday, Varughese was quoted saying that Ambiga would be the perfect candidate for the AG position, given that she is not a politician which would thus ensure the independence of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
This courted flak from certain quarters, including The Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM), which said it was poor judgment on behalf of the Bar to suggest a name for the AG's position, which would set a bad precedent.
Attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali has been put on leave by the new Pakatan Harapan administration, and his duties are currently being handled by solicitor-general Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.
Despite his denials, Apandi remains in newly minted Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's crosshairs, as he believes the former concealed evidence regarding the 1MDB scandal. -Mkini
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