He said after being in the private service for 42 years, he has not been using Bahasa Malaysia as much as he should.

“I am afraid I have to brush it up … I really have to brush it up.

“The trouble with private practice, which I have been in for 42 years, is that I was dealing basically with commercial clients and commercial documents and I have neglected my Bahasa.

“I promise to brush it up,” he told the press on his first day at work as attorney-general at Presint 4 here.

Wearing a black suit with a red tie, he arrived at the Attorney-General’s Chambers about 1.30pm today and was greeted by other colleagues.

Asked by reporters on his reasons for taking up the job, he said it was part of “national service”.

“When the call was made, I was thrilled and honoured. I will try to carry out reforms. Someone has to direct the reform of laws as part of the government.

“Our mantra is reforming the AGC to assist the prime minister elected by the people four weeks ago.”

Asked on when he received his appointment letter, he said it was dated June 4 and arrived at his old law firm last night.

“I think it was delivered to my office last night. This morning, 9am, I went to my old office and saw the letter.”

He said his last day would be on June 3, 2020.

Asked if he would have enough time to carry out reforms on laws and acts, he said “yes”.

“Of course. This is the law and after that someone else can take over.

“We are planning to reform 60 years’ of laws. It will be a long process.

“We are expecting cooperation from all, particularly the Bar, NGOs and the public,” he added.