Gani appoints ex-Bar Council chief to institute legal action against Umno Youth report

Former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail has appointed former Malaysian Bar president Ragunath Kesavan as his counsel following Umno Youth's police report accusing him of plotting to topple the prime minister.

"Yes, I am representing Abdul Gani. I will take instructions to institute legal action," Ragunathn told Malaysiakini today.

However, Ragunath did not stipulate what type of legal action is to be taken.

Umno Youth vice-chief Khairul Azwan Harun on Tuesday lodged a police report accusing Gani, former Bank Negara Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz and outgoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Abu Kassim Mohamed of conspiring to topple Najib Abdul Razak.

Gani had earlier rubbished the claim as a "publicity stunt", while Zeti said she would seek legal counsel. Abu Kassim said he would respond to the allegations soon.

The former AG maintained that he had acted professionally in the course of his work.

"These frivolous allegations are publicity seeking stunts with no substance.

"Attempts at character assasination will only trigger a backlash and undermine the government in the long run," Gani was reported to have said.

Zeti said she would not comment without her legal counsel.

Gani, Zeti, Abu Kassim and inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar were part of a special task force formed to investigate 1MDB.