AG Apandi Ali Defies Mahathir's Not-So-Subtle Hints That He No Longer Has A Job
He remains unfazed by criticisms and a call for his resignation.
By Jia Vern Tham — 14 May 2018, 01:55 PM
Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali reported for work at 8.30am today, 14 May
Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported that Apandi arrived at the Attorney-General's Office in Putrajaya earlier today.
"In fact, I am now in office doing my normal work," he was reported as saying by The Star.
Apandi clocked in for work despite hints dropped by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the Attorney-General position is currently vacant
On 12 May, Malay Mail reported that Mahathir was hinting that his government is looking for a new Attorney-General.
"We are studying names and their suitability," he added.
Previously, Mahathir accused Apandi of hiding evidence on investigations into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case, and ordered a probe into his conduct.
"So, at the moment, we don't have an AG," Mahathir was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.
Mahathir's statement came a day after the Attorney-General's Office was seen surrounded with barbed wires
theSun reported that Apandi confirmed on 11 May that the roads leading to his office have been barricaded by the police.
Nonetheless, The Star reported Apandi as saying later that day that the barricade was for security reasons during and after the 14th General Election.
"There is no lockdown. My officers are free to go in and out of the AG's Chambers (AGC)," he added.
According to theSun, Mahathir said on the same day that the new administration would investigate government agencies and their heads for alleged corruption.
The individuals and agencies named by Mahathir include Apandi, the Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Democratic Action Party (DAP)'s deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo then called for Apandi's resignation following Mahathir's statement
"It would be difficult if not impossible for Apandi to therefore remain as Attorney General," Gobind wrote in a Facebook post.
"Apandi is in no position to advise the Prime Minister as the Prime Minister has expressed no confidence in him," he added.
According to FMT, Apandi said that he needed time to discuss with his lawyers, including eminent ones from the UK, on his future as the Attorney-General.
