Lately, attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail seems to be in a state of hibernation. So many legal infractions have passed through his hallowed corridor and yet not one of any consequence have been brought to face justice. Let us refresh his memory.

The mufti of Perak nearly caused a riot when he spread a false rumour that there was a mass conversion of Muslims to Christianity. There was strong irrefutable evidence that he had disseminated this false rumour to his congregation which nearly resulted in a near riot at a church. If it had been anybody else, there would surely be a tangible case to be brought to court. Why then was the Perak mufti exempted from any charge?

Then there was this senator whose son had found it more lucrative to clone APs rather then apply for them through the normal channel. The Customs Department had found very credible evidence that a systematic cloning of APs was carried out by the senator's son and the money involved was not a paltry sum but a conservative figure of RM40 million.

The Customs Department was adamant that their evidence was strong and irrefutable and yet the attorney-general have not filed any action against the culprits. Can the AG explain why no charge was filed?

Then we have the famous 'wakil rakyat' from Malacca who asked the Customs Department to 'close one eye' for his indiscretion regarding importing sawn timber. If others can be charged for corruption in giving orders beneficial to their interests, then what is the difference with this 'wakil rakyat's' case? Why the double standard?

Of late, we see and hear a lot of criminals being acquitted for their crimes for the simple reason

of the shoddy and inept preparation of their cases on the part of the government prosecutor.The thought that murderers and violent criminals are being released because of technical reasons is a daunting prospect faced by ordinary citizens of this country.

The prospect for the future becomes even more grim when the very institution, the office of the attorney-general, which we so highly put our faith in, becomes mired in incompetence.