Dr M questions why former AG Apandi’s settlement terms kept secret

SHAH ALAM – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad questions why Putrajaya decided to compromise with former attorney-general (AG) Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali over a suit filed against the government and himself for alleged breach of contract and wrongful termination in 2018.

Dr Mahathir said when he gave his statement to the current AG Tan Sri Idrus Harun over the suit, Idrus assured him that the termination of Apandi's employment was made according to the procedure and the rule of law.

He said in a statement that the AG's chamber had informed the government and himself that they had given the right advice to the King for Tan Sri Apandi Ali to be terminated from his post.

"I was shocked to read the recent news about an out-of-court settlement being made between the government and Apandi.

"The terms of the settlement were also kept secret. I was not even informed of the terms of settlement even though I was the main witness," said the former prime minister.

Directed to the AG chamber, Dr Mahathir said that he disagreed with how the settlement was made.

"I feel that the government should not bow down since Apandi's termination of service was made in accordance with affairs and powers of the Government," he said.

Dr Mahathir also questioned why the settlement terms were kept secret from him and members of the public, stressing that the public has the right to know especially when it involves compensation being made.

"What compensation needs to be paid if the action was made according to the law? Where is the rule of law?"

"I think that a huge compensation for someone who failed to carry out their responsibilities well is regrettable at any time. I would not plead wrong and I am prepared for Apandi's lawsuit to be tried in court," he added in the statement.

It was reported that Apandi filed a lawsuit against the government and Mahathir in 2020, claiming that the latter's termination of his services as AG in 2018 was unlawful.

He sought special damages totalling RM2.23 million, general damages, exemplary and punitive damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.

Apandi, who was a former judge, was appointed the AG on July 27, 2015. His contract was supposed to have expired on July 26, 2018, but he was replaced with Tan Sri Tommy Thomas in July 2018 when Pakatan Harapan came to power.

He had said that a letter from the government's top secretary notified him that his term would be extended by three years before the 14th general election.