Mohamed Apandi Ali's tenure as attorney-general has been extended until 2021.

The extension was confirmed by Apandi, according to Berita Harian.

"Yes, I can confirm. Sorry for the late reply, I had to wait for written confirmation... Alhamdulillah," he was quoted as saying.

Former federal court judge Apandi, 68, was appointed as attorney-general on July 27, 2015.

His appointment came after the government abruptly removed Abdul Gani Patail on the grounds of ill health.

Gani had denied that his health prevented him from conducting his duty, and has returned to legal practice following his retirement from the Attorney-General's Chambers.

His removal came amid an investigation over the multi-billion ringgit deposits in Prime Minister’s Najib Abdul Razak's personal bank account, which the latter claimed was a "donation" from a member of the Saudi royal family.

Apandi in Jan 2016 cleared Najib of wrongdoing. He also claimed the remaining money had been returned to the "donor."