I don't prosecute at my whim and fancy, says Abdul Gani

He did not make the decisions to prosecute at his whim and fancy but based on the law, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said.

The power of prosecution was used sparingly based on police reports made and discretion of the Attorney-General under Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution.

"The decision to prosecute was made jointly. I did not make the decision on my own. I did not accuse people at my whim and fancy. Whether the people like it or not is not an issue as it is based on the law."

Abdul Gani said he was ready to be investigated if there were formal complaints and proof that he abused his position in the prosecution of cases.

The disssatisfied groups could report the matter to the police or to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"Report me if there is abuse of power. I have no problem," he told Bernama after the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) monthly assembly here, Thursday.

Some media reports slammed him for alleged discrimination, mistakes and failure to use his discretion, leading to increase of cases prosecuted under the Sedition Act 1948.

Abdul Gani said that stern action would be taken against officials for violating the law and raising negative issues.

"We don't wait long to take action. When an issue arises, we remove the officer. It not does matter whether he is guilty or not. We have to prevent the situation from worsening.

"Within two months, we will dismiss him or hold back his salary," he said when asked about the type of action taken against errant staff.

In 2009, Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Azar Irwan Mohd Arifin was charged with amending minutes of investigation papers on three suspects of drug cases.