KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali is willing to settle in his suit against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the government over his termination as attorney-general (AG) through mediation.
Apandi filed the suit on October 13 last year, seeking among others, a declaration that his service termination as AG by the former prime minister is unlawful.
Representing Apandi, lawyer Datuk Abd Shukor Ahmad said they had submitted the mediation form to the AG’s Chambers (AGC) via email on May 21.
“My client (Apandi) is ready for trial, but at the same time, willing to negotiate to settle the suit,” he told reporters via WhatsApp after online case management before judicial commissioner Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar today.
Also attending the proceedings were federal counsel Lau Wen Yen, representing Dr Mahathir and the government.
Shukor said the next case management has been set for September 29.
Meanwhile, senior federal counsel Shamsul Bolhassan when contacted said that the AGC has received the email from the plaintiff.
In his statement of claim, Apandi, who was a Federal Court judge before being appointed as AG in 2015, is seeking, among others, a declaration that the first defendant had committed misfeasance and misconduct in public office, and a declaration that the first defendant had caused and induced a breach of contract between him and the government.
He is seeking special damages in the sum of RM2,233,599.36, general damages, exemplary and/or punitive damages, costs, and other relief deemed fit by the court.
The two defendants, in their statement of defence filed on November 12, said that there was no abuse of power by Dr Mahathir in the termination of Apandi as AG as it was done in accordance with provisions of the laws. – Bernama, July 6, 2021