PAKATAN Harapan expressed its shock and dismay over the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) decision to drop the corruption case of Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan Mansor.
Its presidential council noted that the action to withdraw the appeal created a bad perception and eroded public confidence for the AGC while tainting its credibility and freedom to conduct its duty professionally.
“The presidential council will look into possibilities that the AGC’s action has gone against the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Pakatan Harapan and the Government, specifically on Article 4 concerning the freedom of the judiciary institution,” it said in a statement.
“Therefore, the council views that the AGC’s decision is wrong and disappointing.”
The council further contended that while the council understands that the AGC has the power to decide whether to withdraw an appeal or otherwise, the case involves corruption charges against an MP, who is also a former federal minister.
“The people demand that the appeal be heard and judged until all legal avenues are exhausted,” the statement said, adding that it will scrutinise acts like this by the AGC and consider steps to be taken next while also pointing out that Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun should resign should he fail to justify his decision.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court had, on Dec 21, 2020, convicted Tengku Adnan, better known as Ku Nan, of accepting RM2 mil bribes from Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd managing director Tan Sri Chai Kin Kong.
The former minister was sentenced to 12 months’ jail and was fined RM2 mil.
The Court of Appeals then overturned the decision by a 2-1 majority and ruled that the money was a political donation to UMNO for expenses in the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections in June 2016.
The Attorney General later filed an appeal in the Federal Court to overturn the decision but withdrew it last Wednesday (Nov 17). – Nov 22, 2021
