DAP’s Lim Guan Eng has called upon the Attorney-General (AG) to offer comprehensive explanations regarding decisions made in recent high-profile court cases. He emphasized the need for a more detailed account of these rulings, as various parties, including the Malaysian Bar, have expressed dissatisfaction with the outcomes.
During a debate on the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review, Lim stressed the importance of the government acknowledging that there remains a segment of the population not content with recent judicial decisions. He believes that a more thorough explanation would assist the public in understanding the rationale behind the AG’s decisions.
Though Lim did not specify the exact high-profile cases in question, the recent High Court ruling granting Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi a conditional discharge on corruption charges faced criticism, notably from the Malaysian Bar. This particular verdict also reignited calls for the separation of the AG’s office from that of the public prosecutor by 2024.
In addition to Zahid’s case, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin saw four charges related to alleged bribery totaling RM232.5 million for Bersatu dismissed last month. Last week, the High Court exercised its revisionary powers to acquit and discharge Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin and his wife, Zizie Izette Samad, from corruption charges involving a RM150 million Felcra investment.
Lim further urged the government to establish a one-year deadline for the separation of roles between the public prosecutor and the AG, a move he believes would signal a commitment to reform and reassure the public.