KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) has renewed calls for Tan Sri Idrus Harun’s head after deeming the attorney-general (AG) unfit to perform his official duties professionally and impartially.
This is especially in regard to advice given to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong pertaining to legal matters.
The PH presidential council’s suggestion follows The Vibes’ article this morning quoting legal experts and members of the royal households who believe the king and the Malay rulers should have their own privy council to counter the AG in the event of disagreement.
In a statement, today, PH said the suggestion for the king to have his own legal advisers had only occurred due to the biased slant taken by Idrus recently.
In particular, the presidential council singled out statements issued by the AG on June 25 – which said the monarch must only act on the advice of the cabinet – and on July 8 – when Idrus called for backing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the prime minister despite Umno’s withdrawal of support.
Citing Article 145(2) of the federal constitution, the council said Idrus’ actions have raised question marks on whether the AG is able to perform his functions in an impartial manner.
The article provides that it shall be the duty of the AG to advise the king or cabinet or any minister on legal matters, among others.
The PH presidential council said the lack of prosecution in several high-profile cases, including against Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on May 27, had cast further doubt on Idrus.
“It is extraordinary that someone was arrested over a month ago but has yet to be charged. Surely, by delaying the prosecution in court, this has raised questions on the existence of other forms of motivations,” it said.
“As such, the presidential council repeats its stand that the AG must be sacked, or that he relinquish his position honourably himself.
“This is as he is seen as no longer capable of carrying out his duty professionally and in a neutral manner in upholding the law, including on issues of providing advice to His Majesty.”
The statement was jointly signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.
Earlier today, The Vibes reported several experts as saying that it is high time the king has his own privy council to counter the AG in the event of a disagreement between Istana Negara and the executive body led by the Prime Minister’s Office.
They noted that this disagreement could lead to a conflict of interest as the AG typically brings in, and defends, the government’s view on matters.
Perak Dewan Negara member Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini said as such, the same lawyer should not be giving the same advice to a different entity.
“The rulers must be able to make their own judgments. If he (the Agong) only listens to the AG, then there is no legal independent view.” – The Vibes, July 16, 2021
