Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail’s decision to drop the attempted murder charge against 31 individuals does not go far enough - he should withdraw all other charges as well.

This is the view of DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang who described the AG’s move as “disappointing”.

“Although the charges against five students for causing mischief and illegal assembly were also dropped, the charges of causing mischief and illegal assembly against (25 others) remain,” he said in a statement today.

“(This) is proof that the AG had abused his powers in preferring such capital charges in the first place.”

Lim, who was in court earlier today, said the two-week incarceration of the individuals - who were denied bail on grounds of being “national and security threats” - remains a blot on the administration of justice and the tenure of Abdul Gani as AG.

“What Gani should have done in the Shah Alam Sessions Court this morning was to withdraw all charges against all the 31, (although this) would still not be full recompense for the injustice he had done to (them) in incarcerating them for a fortnight in prison,” he said.

Lim, who is also DAP leader, was greeted with rousing applause from family-members and supporters of the group dubbed the Hindraf 31.

They had initially been accused of gathering illegally and causing severe injury to a policeman at the Batu Caves temple on Nov 25.

However, six individuals had all charges dropped, while the remaining 25 pleaded guilty to charges including illegal assembly and causing mischief. They are on bail at RM500 with one surety, until the sentence is delivered on Dec 27. They face up to five years in prison or a fine, or both, when they are sentenced next week.

According to Abdul Gani, the 31 had written to disassociate themselves from the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) - which had organised the rally in Kuala Lumpur - and undertook to not participate in an illegal assembly again.

The Hindraf rally saw 30,000 disgruntled Indians taking to the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Police had used chemical-laced water and tear gas to disperse them.

Integrity in doubt

PKR treasurer William Leong has, meanwhile, urged the AG to clarify the basis of his decision to withdraw the attempted murder charge, in the interest of maintaining public confidence in his office.

On Saturday, Star reported that MIC president S Samy Vellu had conveyed appeals made by parents of the 31 to the AG.

“Although the decision to withdraw the charge is welcome, it is unfortunate that the AG had reconsidered the merits of the charge after MIC had made representations to him,” he said in a statement today.

“This has given a perception to the public that the office of the AG is inclined to favour the view of politicians from the ruling parties.

“This will diminish the confidence of the public in the institution of the office of the attorney-general to prosecute offences according to the rule of law without fear or favour.”