Idrus Harun's appointment restores morale in the AG's chambers

The appointment of Federal Court judge Tan Sri Idrus Harun as Attorney-General (AG) has helped restore morale in the AG’s Chambers which has been declining over the past two years.

Lawyer and founder of the RAPERA Movement, Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said Idris is a man of integrity, independent, humble and upholds the principles of justice.

“He can do his job efficiently and effectively and discharge his duties with compassion. This (the appointment of Idrus) is certainly the right step taken by the Perikatan Nasional Government.

"Idrus has served for almost 40 years, has exceptional experience in the judicial and legal services, making him the best choice for the position," he told Astro AWANI on Saturday.

Commenting further, Jahaberdeen said Idrus knew the staff at the Attorney General's Chambers and that his presence there was at the most appropriate time.

"He is not only known for his calm demeanour but also a wise and assertive judge in his conviction to do the right thing, someone who is well-liked, not egoistic and humble and all these qualities are very hard to find.

“These are the characteristics that make the Attorney General's Chambers conduct prosecutions not only decisively but with compassion too.

"There were some who have been appointed to serve only as the head of department but his ego is higher than the KLCC but Idrus is not such an individual," he said.

Sharing the same views, President of The Malaysia Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar, said the appointment of Idrus was the right decision by the new government.

“He has high credibility and integrity and will not be influenced by any political party or government.

"His extensive experience in judicial and legislative matters as well as his close rapport with law enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have also made him most suitable for the position," he said.

Akhbar also argued that important positions in law enforcement agencies should not be given to politicians.

"This is because it will undermine the agency's independence and in the event of a change in government, the position will have to be vacated," he added.

Idrus has been appointed the new AG for a two-year term starting yesterday, replacing Tommy Thomas who resigned on February 28.