PAKATAN Harapan has expressed regret over Attorney-General Idrus Harun’s decision to let former Federal Territories minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor go free in his RM2 million corruption case.

The PH presidential council said the move by the AG to withdraw its appeal against the Court of Appeal’s 2-1 decision to acquit the former minister had created a negative perception and eroded public trust in the institution of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“It tarnishes the AGC’s credibility and freedom to carry out its official duties professionally,” said the council in a statement.

Tengku Adnan, 70, who is also Putrajaya MP and Umno treasurer, was found guilty last December of graft charges and sentenced to 12 months in prison and fined RM2 million.

This decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal on July 16, although the appellate panel was divided with one judge on the three-person bench wanting to uphold the conviction and sentence.

This led to the prosecution filing an appeal three days later. However, the appeal was withdrawn earlier this month.

The council said it would study if the AG’s decision contravened the memorandum of understanding between PH and the government, specifically when it comes to the independence of the judiciary.

“Therefore, we find the attorney general’s decision on the Tengku Adnan issue wrong and disappointing.

“We are aware that the AG has the power to decide whether to withdraw the appeal. However, in this case – involving allegations of corruption against an MP and a former federal minister – the people demanded that the appeal of the case be heard and judged until all permitted legal processes have been exhausted,” it added.

The council demanded Idrus resign if he could not justify withdrawing the appeal.

“He needs to relinquish his post if he could not justify his action.”

Prior to this statement, the Malaysian Bar last week also asked Idrus for a detailed explanation on the decision.

President A.G. Kalidas said the Bar was perturbed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) decision to withdraw the appeal, taking into consideration that the Court of Appeal’s decision was not unanimous. – November 22, 2021.