I never ordered investigations to close, former A-G reacts to Apandi

Former attorney-general Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman today said he had never directed investigation agencies, including the anti-graft body, to stop their probes. "My principle is to assist them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. "It was also my directive not to prefer any criminal charge on any suspect unless the prosecution has sufficient, credible and admissible evidence to justify prosecution," he said. Current A-G Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali had said he had followed in Abu Talib's footsteps when he ordered the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to close its investigations into the RM2.6 billion donation and RM42 million SRC International funds deposited in prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's private accounts. "I am just following my master's footsteps. Now he said I couldn't do that. I am confused. "I hope he can come to see me so that I can offer my explanation," Apandi reportedly told Sin Chew Daily in an exclusive interview. Apandi was a senior officer with the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) in the early 1980s when Abu Talib was the A-G. Abu Talib last week told The Malaysian Insider that the A-G, who is also the public prosecutor, had no authority to order MACC to close its investigations into the two cases. "This is a case of public importance that has attracted worldwide attention. The A-G must help MACC to collect evidence as the source of the fund is outside Malaysia," Abu Talib had said. Today, Abu Talib said Apandi should refresh his memory of cases where he had directed an on-going investigation to be closed. "Frankly, I cannot remember," he said. Abu Talib also said Apandi (pic, left) would not have been in a confused state of mind if he had indeed followed in his footsteps. "His decision in the circumstances has raised more questions than solve the allegations against the prime minister, the status of other investigations related to the activities of 1MDB and persons connected with the company," he said. He said that in all fairness to Najib and the public, and mindful that the RM2.6 billion came from outside Malaysia, Apandi should have given all the necessary assistance to MACC to complete their investigations. "It may well be that at the end of the day, Apandi will find enough evidence to show that Najib had done no wrong under the law," he added. The public, said Abu Talib, was not likely to question Apandi's decision (to clear the PM of criminal wrongdoing) if he had allowed MACC to collect evidence outside Malaysia. "As it is, Apandi's decision appears questionable and has cast negative perceptions on his impartiality, commitment to justice and rule of law," he added. Abu Talib said he was not answerable to Apandi and that he was free to exercise his constitutional right to comment on a case of great public interest, so long he did not cross the limits of freedom of expression. "My comment is clear and made in good faith. There is nothing further to explain," he said. He added that Apandi was welcome to see him if he wanted to learn and know more about the law. – February 7, 2016.