KUALA LUMPUR – Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-PH) did not mince his words in Parliament today as he dug into Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun over his silence on some of the more controversial legal issues in the country of late.
The DAP lawmaker said Idrus has remained silent on decisions made by authorities in a number of high-profile cases.
This comes amid speculation of Idrus’ fate, as his contract remains in limbo despite its expiry over the weekend.
“Is it not his duty to provide an explanation whenever the issue of our legal system arises? When there are questions being raised on certain cases, doesn’t he have the responsibility to issue a statement to clarify?”
Gobind cited several examples highlighting Idrus’ silence on pertinent legal matters, including the recent decision by a Spanish arbitrator for the government to pay RM63 billion to the descendants of the now defunct Sulu sultanate.
Among the questions Gobind said Idrus must answer include whether the government is obliged to make the payment, what Malaysia’s next step is, and whether it should accept the arbitrator’s decision.
“In such a situation, why hasn’t the AG issued any statement? We cannot have an AG who only sits quietly without giving any explanation.”
Separately, Gobind said Idrus has kept mum on cases that have been withdrawn after being charged in court or those that have seen inaction.
In particular, he cited the corruption case involving former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz’s husband, Datuk Tawfiq Ayman.
“Many have asked why there has been no action on this front. This must be answered by the AG. But no, just silence. Even police personnel are also asking questions.
“I think the government must provide an answer. Why do we have an AG who continues to keep silent no matter what the case is?”
Gobind also took issue with the recent findings by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission that it could not verify claims made by former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador on cartels reportedly existing within the force.
The commission chairman Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan had said that the report on the matter had been submitted to the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Gobind questioned why findings on alleged abuse involving an enforcement agency were submitted to the government and not to the AG for the next course of action.
The long silence over the controversy surrounding the alleged share purchase by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Tan Sri Azam Baki also did not sit well with Gobind.
“Where is our AG? Why hasn’t he answered (anything)? We know that the federal constitution grants him power, but today, we don’t even know if we have an AG or not. What has become of this government?”
Separately, Gobind has sought clarification from the government on Idrus’ status as the AG, after his contract ended on Saturday.
The Vibes had reported previously that Idrus' contract was set to be extended by another year, but intense lobbying for the key post has led to a delay in the announcement. – The Vibes, March 7, 2022
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