[UPDATED] Idrus Harun gets 6-month extension as attorney-general

KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Idrus Harun has been reappointed as attorney-general and will serve for another six months, effective March 6.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, in a statement today, said the reappointment was assented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

In accordance with Clause (1) of Article 145 of the federal constitution, the king had assented to the reappointment, effective March 6.

Last year, The Vibes reported that the announcement of Idrus’ one-year reappointment was delayed by intense lobbying for the position by politicians.

It is learnt that several prominent lawyers associated with Umno, including party warlords, had been offered the post but turned it down.

Idrus, who is also the older brother of former 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.

Idrus, 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 Agong appoints the attorney-general, who also acts as the public prosecutor, upon the advice of the prime minister. – The Vibes, March 3, 2023