FORMER attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali and the government today reached an amicable settlement on the former’s lawsuit over his termination in 2018.

Apandi’s counsel, Baljit Singh Sidhu, confirmed that a consent judgment on the settlement was recorded before High Court judge Akhtar Tahir this morning.

“Without prejudice, the government agreed to settle the action without admission of liability. The terms of the settlement remain confidential,” Baljit told the media.

“The case was struck off without liberty to file afresh and with no order as to costs.”

Baljit also confirmed that the suit was settled as Apandi’s claim was filed against both the government and Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his capacity as the then prime minister.

Apandi was also represented by Abd Shukor Ahmad and Nor Shahadah Saari while the government and Dr Mahathir were represented by Donald Joseph Franklin, Shahruah Shapiee and Abdul Hakim Ab Keram @ Ab Karem.

Apandi had filed the suit in September 2020, seeking a declaration that the termination of his services as attorney-general in 2018 by Dr Mahathir was unlawful.

He asked for RM2,233,599.36 in special, punitive and general damages, to be assessed by the court.

Apandi, who was a former judge, was appointed attorney-general on July 27, 2015. His contract was to have ended on July 26, 2018.

He said the chief secretary to the government had informed him through a letter before the 14th general election that his tenure would be extended by three years.

However, in a letter dated June 5, 2018, the chief secretary informed him that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to the termination of his services but did not furnish any document on the royal approval.

The government, in its defence, said Dr Mahathir did not play any role in the termination of Apandi’s services.

It said any decision to terminate Apandi’s contract was carried out according to the law. – April 13, 2022.