AGC: Committal move against ex-AG violates court order

LocalPolitics
23 May 2025 • 12:50 PM MYT
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AGC: Committal move against ex-AG violates court order

The AGC defended Ahmad Terrirudin following criticism that he had allegedly misled the court in Najib’s judicial review against the decision of the Pardons Board - May 23, 2025

Attorney General’s Chambers warns that any attempt to initiate contempt proceedings against Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin breaches existing court-ordered stay

THE Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has asserted that any attempt to initiate or proceed with committal proceedings against former Attorney General Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh constitutes a breach of a valid High Court order currently staying all related proceedings.

In a statement issued on Friday, the AGC described such action as a disruption to the orderly administration of justice.

"This department will not hesitate to apply for such a motion to be struck out as an abuse of court process," it said.

The statement was in response to an application for leave to initiate contempt proceedings against Ahmad Terrirudin, filed by the legal team of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Shafee & Co, on 23 May.

Najib’s legal team filed the committal proceedings on Wednesday, seeking to have Ahmad Terrirudin imprisoned for contempt of court in relation to the Royal Addendum matter.

Expanding on the issue, the AGC said that the matters raised in the application are currently the subject of an appeal yet to be decided by the Federal Court, with hearings scheduled for 1 and 2 July.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court had, on 28 April, granted a stay of all proceedings pending the outcome of that appeal. A written confirmation issued on Wednesday also clarified that the stay applies to both ongoing and future proceedings, including contempt actions.

"Any action contrary to the stay order not only breaches the court's directive but also risks undermining the proper functioning of justice," the AGC stressed.

In the same statement, the AGC defended Ahmad Terrirudin following criticism that he had allegedly misled the court in Najib’s judicial review against the decision of the Pardons Board.

"As Attorney General, he carried out his duties in accordance with the constitutional functions of the office.

"The allegation that he misled the court is unfounded and is currently under review by the country’s highest judicial authority," it added.

The AGC urged all parties to allow the Federal Court to deliberate and decide on the issues freely, without public pressure or speculation.

"Justice must be pursued within the framework of the rule of law, not through public statements or collateral litigation," the statement concluded.

The committal application against Ahmad Terrirudin stems from the defence’s claim that he provided inaccurate information regarding the Pardons Board's role in Najib’s ongoing imprisonment over the SRC International scandal. - May 23, 2025