Mohamed Apandi Ali's suit against former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the government will head to trial after the parties involved failed to resolve it through mediation.

Apandi’s lawyer Abdul Shukor Ahmad when contacted by reporters said the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) had informed that the government did not agree to settle the suit.

“During today's case management held online, judicial commissioner Latifah Mohd Tahar set April 18, 20, 21 and 22 next year as the trial dates, and further case management would be held on Nov 5. The plaintiff intends to present five witnesses, including Apandi, "said Abdul Shukor.

Meanwhile, senior federal counsel Shamsul Bolhassan who represented the AGC, when contacted, confirmed the matter.

On July 6, Abdul Shukor informed that Apandi was ready to settle his suit through the mediation process and had submitted the mediation form to the AGC via email on May 21.

In his statement of claim, Apandi, who was a Federal Court judge before being appointed as the attorney-general in 2015, among others, is seeking a declaration that the first defendant had committed misfeasance and misconduct in public office and a declaration that the first defendant had caused and induced the breach of contract between him and the government.

He is seeking special damages in the sum of RM2,233,599.36, general damages, exemplary and/or punitive damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.

The two defendants, in their statement of defence filed on Nov 12, said that there was no abuse of power by Mahathir in the termination of Apandi as AG, as it was done in accordance with the provisions of the laws.

- Bernama