PUTRAJAYA: Discussions on candidates to succeed Idrus Harun as the new attorney-general (AG) are ongoing, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“We are still discussing that,” Anwar told a press conference here today.
He was asked if there was a shortlist of candidates for the post, with Idrus’ contract set to expire next month.
Previously, a source told FMT three serving judges appeared to be in Anwar’s consideration to be appointed as the next AG.
They are Federal Court judge Zabidin Diah and Court of Appeal judges Yaacob Sam and Abdul Karim Abdul Jalil.
The source said the three have all the credentials to occupy the position as they have handled criminal and civil cases both as judges and also during their stint in the judicial and legal service.
The late Mohtar Abdullah, former AG Apandi Ali and present office holder Idrus Harun also rose from the bench to be appointed to the position.
Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution states that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall on the advice of the prime minister appoint a person who is qualified to be a judge as AG.
Under Article 123 of the constitution, a citizen who has practised law or has been in the judicial and legal service, or a combination of both, for at least 10 years is qualified to be appointed as AG.
Separately, Anwar said the law minister will also prepare a white paper on the Batu Puteh case.
He said the Cabinet has discussed at length the steps to be taken, and the decision will be “left to the wisdom of Parliament” once full information on the matter has been provided.
On Jan 27, Idrus had said the decision by the government of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to withdraw applications filed in connection with the Batu Puteh sovereignty issue was “not in order” and “improper”.
He also said the AGC was studying recommendations made by the special task force on the issue, including whether there had been any misfeasance in public office.
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