New AG was fair and intelligent judge, says ex-deputy law minister

Former de facto deputy law minister Hanipa Maidin has congratulated judge Idrus Harun (above) on his appointment as the new attorney-general.

The Amanah central committee member said that he had experience dealing with Idrus when the latter was a Court of Appeal judge.

"Personally, I have no problem with him. In my view, he was a fair and intelligent judge," he told Malaysiakini.

"Unfortunately, he has to serve under a government whose credibility and integrity are being critically questioned, domestically and globally," he added.

Idrus was appointed attorney-general effective today, replacing Tommy Thomas who resigned last week amid the political crisis that saw the Perikatan Nasional government take over Putrajaya.

Previously in 2018, 1MDB lead prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram also recommended Idrus to be attorney-general.

He was formerly solicitor-general with the Attorney General's Chambers before being appointed to the appellate court and then the Federal Court.

Meanwhile, DAP's Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh (below) also congratulated the new top lawyer on his appointment.

"I am sure that he will observe the rule of law as a priority being a former Federal Court judge.

"It is imperative that he continues the prosecutions that have been initiated so far, particularly for the 1MDB-related cases and works closely with the judiciary for the purpose of introducing reforms.

"I wish him the best," Ramkarpal told Malaysiakini.

The Malaysian Bar, meanwhile, said it wants to work with Idrus in all matters related to and is of mutual interest to the AGC and the Bar.

"Tan Sri (Idrus) has wide experience and exposure from his many years in the AGC and later on the bench.

"The Bar believes Idrus would be able to carry out his duties efficiently and effectively to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour," said Bar president Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor when contacted.