'Tun Mahathir, stop the open criticisms against Apandi' - Rahim Thamby Chik

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is reminded to stop the attacks and open criticism directly against the Attorney-General, Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali, or consider any decisions made by any parties as unfair and unreasonable.

Federation of Malay Economic Bodies (Gabem) Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Rahim Thamby Chik said, as a senior government official in the country's legislation, the duty and responsibility of the Attorney General is to defend the rule of law without practicing ‘favoritism’ and is not afraid of any decisions made.

“In this context, the personal attacks and open criticism of Tun Mahathir against Mohamed Apandi is unfair and not reasonable as the arguments used by Tun Mahathir is not supported by concrete evidence.

“Maybe Tun Mahathir used the negative perception of some people or quoted media sources locally and abroad which are anti-government and hate Malaysia.

“The truth is, sources like this cannot be considered as strong and concrete evidence and is not suitable to be used as a basis for making specific allegations - in public or private - against a public servant like the Attorney-General,” he told Astro AWANI here today.

Mahathir in a blog post on chedet.cc dated Feb. 3 claimed that Mohamad Apandi will not press charges against Datuk Seri Najib in the case of SRC International and RM2.6 billion fund for supposedly owing his position to Najib.

Blog’s content

Mahathir’s statement received the attention of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and said the police will begin an investigation into the content of the blog for defamation.

Rahim firmly added, Mohamed Apandi’s decision was based on rigorous and thorough investigation, which was conducted by Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“For example in the RM2.6 billion donation to Najib… of course the AG’s decision to free Najib from these allegations (practice of criminal misconduct) have been made based on thorough and meticulous investigation by the MACC.

“As the Attorney General, he is more aware and conscious on his decisions based on the responsibilities entrusted by Allah and the country to him.

“Based on the situation and fact, it is probably better for Tun Mahathir to immediately stop the personal attacks and open criticisms as the people will see it as a way for him to defend and save his family’s personal interests more than national interests,” he explained.

Mohamed Apandi previously said, under the MACC Act 2009, there was no evidence that showed that the Prime Minister had abused his position during a meeting of the Cabinet that approved a guarantee for a RM4-billion loan by SRC International from the Retirement Fund (Incorporated) (KWAP).