The Attorney-General's (AG) Chambers has, at the eleventh hour, applied to be an intervener in the application by Teoh Beng Hock's brother Meng Kee to institute contempt proceedings against minister Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

NONEThis arose during the inquest into the death of Teoh (left) - just as coroner Azmil Muntapha Abas was about to deliver his decision on whether to grant leave (permission) for the brother Meng Kee's application to be heard.

This is an ex-parte application where normally the court would hear submission from one party and it would not hear from others unless there is an application made like this one.

Senior federal counsel Amarjeet Singh informed the court that the AG's chambers wants to be an intervener.

It also wants this application be heard before the coroner's delivers his decision.

In AG Abdul Gani Patail's supporting affidavit, he states he believes that it is his task to intervene as being the attorney-general, he has to ensure public and policy interests is safeguarded.

He also states that as the guardian of public interest, he should be allowed to intervene in this application, as any matter in dispute in the comittal proceeding could be decided and judged by the court.

Abdul Gani said Meng Kee's application was deficient as it is based on hearsay on what is stated by Nazri, and what was reported in Malaysiakini.

The AG also believes that there were no revelation which was made in full and frank disclosure for the applicant (Meng Kee) to support the committal.

Karpal objects

However, Karpal Singh, representing Meng Kee, objected to the application.

"The AG should have made the application in the first place, and support us to protect the sanctity of the court and the witness testifying," said the senior lawyer.

"Why are they here for, who are they representing?" he asked.
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"Are they defending the minister (Nazri Abdul Aziz) (right). Can somebody answer the question."

The senior counsel who is also Bukit Gelugor MP urged the court to deliver its decision.

"Do not be cowed by the presence of the AG chambers," he urged, asking for a short break to look at the application.

The coroner was due to have made his decision today, after deferring it from yesterday.

The issue revolves around Nazri's claim that Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand is a "liar" for claiming that she has been pressured not to testify as scheduled at the inquest.

Karpal to cross-examine AG

NONEAfter a short break, Amarjeet prohibited Karpal from reading the contents of the AG's affidavit as the document had not been sealed.

Karpal (left in wheelchair) said the AG as the guardian of public interests should have supported his client's application

“The minister has gone berserk and should be stopped. The minister will go rabid if he is not stopped,” he said in referring to Nazri's remarks and belittling the application to bring it to the world court.

The senior lawyer then said he will file an application tomorrow morning to cross-examine Abdul Gani for making the application.

He said the application was necessary to put the AG on the stand for him to answer.

Azmil has fixed tomorrow afternoon to hear the AG's application.

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