The attorney-general (AG) is wasting public funds in engaging Muhammad Shafee Abdullah to act for the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in the civil suit filed by the DAP against the ROS.

Veteran lawyer and former DAP chairperson Karpal Singh said although the Government Proceedings Act 1956 allows for it, such an appointment could only be justified if certain special expertise were required.

"The civil proceedings against the ROS do not require any special expertise.

"Therefore, the appointment of Muhammad Shafee (right) at the expense of the taxpayer is unwarranted and an unnecessary burden on the taxpayer, and his appointment should, accordingly, be revoked," he said in a statement today.

Karpal, who is Bukit Gelugor MP, said the appointment of an outside lawyer shows that attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail has "abdicated his functions" as his department should be able to handle such cases on its own.

"These appointments do not speak well of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

"Is the Attorney-General's Chambers so devoid of personnel of caliber to attend to prosecutions and civil proceedings in courts?

"Must the taxpayer, in addition to be responsible for the salaries and other benefits for those employed in the Attorney-General’s Chambers, also make provision for payment to Muhammad Shafee for his services as an advocate and solicitor to the AG’s Chambers?" he asked

He further urged Abdul Gani to publicly explain the reasons behind Muhammad Shafee’s appointment and the remuneration the latter is to be paid.

The appointment came about after the Kuala Lumpur High Court had, on March 26, allowed the DAP to initiate a judicial review application compelling the ROS to recognise its new office-bearers following the re-election of its central executive committee (CEC).

Previously, Muhammad Shafee was also appointed to lead the prosecution in its appeal against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's acquittal in the Sodomy II case at the Court of Appeal.