Malaysia

Only PM can confirm: Wan Junaidi mum over Idrus Harun’s AG contract

Law minister says decision, announcement up to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 05 Mar 2022 11:18AM

Only PM can confirm: Wan Junaidi mum over Idrus Harun’s AG contract
Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar says that at the end of the day, it is the prime minister who makes the call on the attorney-general post and then advises the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as accorded under the constitution. – The Vibes file pic, March 5, 2022

by Isabelle Leong

KUALA LUMPUR – Amid speculation that Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun is set to serve in his current post for at least one more year, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has chosen to remain mum.

Wan Junaidi told The Vibes today that he is unable to confirm news on Idrus’ contract extension as it is under the purview of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“I cannot confirm anything on this matter. Even if I’m involved in this matter, it is not up to me to make the announcement because the prime minister will be the one doing so.

“At the end of the day, it is the prime minister who makes the call and then advises the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as accorded under the constitution.”

Yesterday, The Vibes reported that Idrus is set to serve in his current post for at least one more year.

According to sources close to the matter as well as in the legal fraternity, the 67-year-old’s contract, which expires today, was renewed till 2023.

Idrus, who is also the older brother of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun was appointed on March 6, 2020, under then-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s government on a two-year contract.

Prior to his appointment, Idrus had also served as solicitor-general, in addition to being the Election Commission as well as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s legal adviser in separate stints.

It is also learnt that several senior lawyers had been offered the post but had turned it down.

Idrus, who is a former Federal Court judge, replaced Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, who had tendered his resignation on February 28, 2020, following Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation, which triggered the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

As per the federal constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the attorney-general, who also acts as the public prosecutor, upon the advice of the prime minister.

It is also learnt that the position of solicitor-general remains vacant after Datuk Abdul Razak Musa went on mandatory retirement last month. – The Vibes, March 5, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 2y

Auditor-general makes 16 recommendations to improve federal agencies' financial management

Malaysia / 2y

‘Unjustified amnesty’: Civil society coalition wants AG’s written opinion to Pardons Board disclosed

Malaysia / 2y

Sarawak group hopes Wan Junaidi will influence govt on anti-poverty policies

Malaysia / 2y

Wan Junaidi takes oath as 8th Sarawak governor

Malaysia / 2y

New Sarawak governor Wan Junaidi praised for kopi tiam visit

Malaysia / 2y

Wan Junaidi appointed as eighth governor of Sarawak, replacing Taib

Spotlight

Malaysia

Former head of a ministry's corporate communications unit acquitted of bribery charge

Malaysia

Two sisters die trapped in Johor house fire as escape routes cut off by flames

Malaysia

NS election speculation intensifies as Aminuddin granted audience with state ruler

Malaysia

Teenager who drove recklessly, causing death remanded for further investigation

Malaysia

Police looking for trio involved in violent armed robbery in Penang (video)

Malaysia

Family of five killed as car crashes into water pipe in Serian

Malaysia

'I was once spat on by a pakcik' — Marina denies fear of contesting Malay-majority seats

Malaysia

Jewellery shop among six premises destroyed in fire (video)

You may be interested

Malaysia

King Sultan Ibrahim urges new MACC chief to uphold highest integrity in fight against corruption

Malaysia

Man who wanted to borrow RM500k, scammed of over RM400k

Malaysia

Press conference cancelled as MB has 'important business'

Malaysia

No early Penang polls as state prioritises voters’ mandate over electoral synchronisation

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Fuel prices fall as Malaysia warns of prolonged global oil supply risks

Malaysia

Schoolteacher denies multiple counts of physical, digital sexual assault against 2 teens

Malaysia

Jewellery shop among six premises destroyed in fire (video)

Malaysia

Two sisters die trapped in Johor house fire as escape routes cut off by flames