Malaysian Bar Proposes Ambiga To Replace Apandi As The Next Attorney-General
The Bar Council president said that the fact that she is not a politician makes her the perfect candidate.
By Katrina Khairul Azman — 15 May 2018, 11:22 AM
The Malaysian Bar has proposed that its former president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan be considered for Attorney-General (AG), a position which newly-elected Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has recently revealed will no longer be held by Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali
According to New Straits Times, Tun Mahathir confirmed at a press conference yesterday that Apandi Ali has been told to go on leave, while his duties will be taken over by Solicitor General Datuk Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.
Bar Council president George Varughese said that the fact that Ambiga is not a politician makes her the perfect candidate for the role of AG
He told Malaysiakini that, "If Ambiga is appointed as the new AG, she would ensure that the chambers would be free from political influences and interference."
Ambiga (middle) receiving the Award for International Women of Courage from Hillary Clinton (left) and Michelle Obama (right) in 2009.
Image via ABC NewsVarughese added that the new AG should be of impeccable character, as well as be against race, religion, and gender-based politics.
"To this, Ambiga meets this criteria. Hence, she enjoys the confidence and support of the Malaysian Bar should she be chosen for the post," he said.
Nevertheless, Ambiga has said that Varughese's proposal was premature, urging the public not to speculate on the appointment of the AG
The former president of the Malaysian Bar Council, who also served as the chairperson of electoral watchdog group Bersih, said that it would better if the Bar had not mentioned any names and she was unaware of the proposal, reported theSun.
According to Malaysiakini, Ambiga added that she would prefer to let due process take its path.