Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail is slated to retire when he celebrates his 60th birthday this coming October.

There is speculation that his services may be extended, but de facto law minister Nancy Shukri ( photo ) said she is not in the know on this matter.

"Whether his contract is extended or not, that is up to the government. I don't know (what the decision is) I have only heard rumours just like you.

"The decision is not in my hands, how I wish I was in a position to appoint people," she told reporters at a press conference in Publika today.

Nancy added that she will work with whoever is the AG, even if Gani is replaced.

"I will work with anybody. Whoever becomes the AG, whether it is Gani or someone else, we have to proceed with our work," she said.

Began career as DPP in 1980

Gani has been the AG for 13 years, and was appointed in 2002.

He has been in the AG's Chambers for even longer, beginning his career as deputy public prosecutor in 1980.

Among his most notable career involvements was acting as lead prosecutor in former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's first sodomy and corruption trial in 1999.

Umno-linked lawyer Shafee Abdullah ( photo ), who led the prosecution in Anwar's second sodomy trial, has been rumoured to be eyeing for the AG's position.

However, the private lawyer is already 63 years old, three years above the mandatory retirement age for civil servants.