Apandi seeking claims over damages, losses for his termination as AG
Former attorney-general (AG) Mohamed Apandi Ali is seeking damages and losses from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC), saying that he was unlawfully terminated by the then Pakatan Harapan administration back in 2018.
He reportedly sent a letter of demand to the AGC yesterday, giving it seven days to respond to his claim - otherwise, he would commence legal proceedings.
Based on a letter sighted by Malaysiakini, Apandi (above) is claiming that his termination two years ago was unlawful, and therefore, null and void.
The letter of demand was sent by law firm Shukor Baljit and Partners and is said to have reached the AGC on the same day.
"...vide a letter dated April 6, 2018, the chief secretary of government notified our client that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had on March 30, 2018, consented to the re-appointment of our client as the AG for the federation with effect from July 27, 2018.
"...vide a letter dated May 7, 2018, to the chief secretary of the government our client had accepted the re-appointment as the AG for the federation," said the letter.
'Termination orchestrated by Mahathir'
In the letter, Apandi claimed that his termination was orchestrated by then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He accused Mahathir of having abused his position in doing so.
According to the former Federal Court judge, the AG shall hold office during the pleasure of the King, and may at any time resign from office and, unless he is a member of the cabinet, the AG shall receive such remuneration as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong determines.
Apandi is claiming damages for loss of earnings, allowances and benefits entitled to him from July 27, 2018, to July 26, 2021.
Several days after the Harapan coalition formed the federal government after winning the 14th general election on May 9, 2018, the new administration ordered Apandi to go on leave.
Mahathir had said the government could not suspend Apandi since no formal report had been lodged against him. However, he claimed there were numerous complaints against Apandi, including covering up wrongdoings.
Mahathir later proposed Tommy Thomas as the new AG, which received consent from the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, on June 5, 2018.
Thomas resigned from the post early this year, after a political coup that saw the fall of the Harapan government, which was replaced by Perikatan Nasional led by Muhyiddin Yassin.
