Wan Junaidi refuses to comment on Idrus’ status as AG

KUALA LUMPUR - Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has refused to comment on the speculation that Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun’s contract will be extended for another year.

According to a report by online news portal The Vibes, Wan Junaidi said he could not confirm the news of the contract extension as it was under the jurisdiction of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Seri Yaakob.

"I cannot confirm anything on this, as the Prime Minister will make the announcement.

“The Prime Minister will also advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as stated under the Federal Constitution." he said.

Yesterday, the online news portal reported that Idrus was ready to serve as AG for at least another year.

According to sources, Idrus' contract which expired today will be renewed until 2023.

Idrus, who is also the brother of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun was appointed as AG on March 6, 2020, during the administration of then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Prior to becoming the AG, Idrus had served the Election Commission (EC) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as the legal adviser.

It is also understood that several senior lawyers were offered the position, but they rejected it.

Idrus who was a former Federal Court judge, replaced Tan Sri Tommy Thomas who resigned as AG on Feb 28, 2020, following Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as prime minister which also saw the fall of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.

According to the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may on the advice of the Prime Minister appoint an AG who will also act as the Public Prosecutor.