Malaysian Bar ready to work with new AG Idrus

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar is confident of the capabilities of the newly appointed Attorney General in carrying out his duties.

Its president Datuk Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor said Tan Sri Idrus Harun (pic) has vast experience and exposure in the legal profession from his many years in the AG's Chambers and later in the judiciary.

"The Bar welcomes the appointment of Tan Sri Idrus Harun who was formerly the solicitor-general prior to his elevation to the Court of Appeal and then to the Federal Court.

"The Bar believes he will be able to carry out his duties efficiently and effectively to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour," he said in a statement on Friday (March 6).

Fareed added that the Bar is ready to work alongside Idrus in "all matters related and of mutual interest to both institutions."

Idrus replaces Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, who resigned on Feb 28, as the new AG.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah consented to Idrus' appointment and he will helm the seat for two years starting Friday.

Idrus, 65, has a long history as a lawyer and a judge.

He once served as a solicitor-general and was appointed a judge in the Court of Appeal in 2014 and later a Federal Court judge in 2018.

He was also a legal adviser in the Election Commission (EC) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The son of a village headman and a housewife, Idrus grew up in Kampung Sanglang in Kedah.

He has eight siblings including current EC chairman, Datuk Azhar Harun, who is his younger brother.