Attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali found himself under the spotlight after he cleared Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of any wrongdoing in the twin 1MDB and RM2.6 billion scandals.

Critics greeted this decision with scorn and bewilderment, and many have questioned whether he actually has the power to do so.

So what are the powers of the AG?

The AG, of course, has the power to prosecute, as enshrined under Article 145 of the Federal Constitution.

As the country’s top prosecutor, the AG is also responsible to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, cabinet as well as ministers on legal matters...