Apandi settles ‘unlawful sacking’ lawsuit with govt

Former attorney-general Apandi Ali has settled his suit against the government and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad over his alleged “unlawful sacking” in 2018.

(FMT) – Lawyer Baljit Singh Sidhu said the settlement was recorded before High Court judge Akhtar Tahir today.

“The government, without prejudice, has agreed to settle the suit without admission of liability.

“We can’t disclose the terms of the settlement,” he said.

Apandi had filed the suit in September 2020, seeking a declaration that the termination of his services as attorney-general in 2018 by 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 the 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 King had consented to the termination but did not furnish any document on the royal approval.

The government, in its defence, said 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.