The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) operations review panel and special panel wants the body to engage attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali to help explain to the public why he is not pressing charges against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan, who is MACC special panel spokesperson, said this is to help the public understand the reasons behind Apandi's decision.

"We feel that there are certain things they (the public) want to know (as to) why the case is closed," Musa said at a press conference at the MACC's Putrajaya headquarters today.

Former appellate court judge Mohd Noor Abdullah ( photo, left ), who is also an MACC adviser, added this would help dispel public misconceptions.

"He (Apandi) owes the public an explaination to show that his decision isn't arbitarary or (made) in bad faith," Noor said.

Musa said the panels therefore have advised the graftbuster to engage Apandi.

“The panels took note of the recent decision by the attorney-general related to the RM2.6 billion and SRC International Sdn Bhd (RM42 million cases) involving Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak).

“Both panels advised MACC to engage with the AG regarding the decision,” he said in a brief statement issued after the panels met for nearly five hours.

According to an accompanying statement, the operations review panel comprises those appointed by the prime minister to receive and scrutinise reports from MACC regarding decisions on investigation papers made by the AG and to present its views regarding actions upon cases where no charges are preferred.

Other members of the special panel are former Bank Negara deputy governor Zamani Abdul Ghani, former Bar Council chairperson Lim Chee Wee and lawyer Zuraidah Atan.

This panel was set up upon the recommendation of the special committee on corruption chaired by the president of the Senate Abu Zahar Nika Ujang.

On Tuesday, Apandi had cleared the prime minister of any wrongdoing and instructed MACC to close the files.

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