The Bar Council today strenuously defended its stand in questioning the controversial appointment of Abdul Gani Patail as the new attorney-general.

"The Bar Council is of the view that the judgment of the three judges in Zainur Zakaria's contempt of court case have called in question the conduct of Abdul Gani," said council chairman Mah Weng Kwai.

"The Federal Court is the apex court of the land and due respect and weight ought to be given to its decision," added Mah.

Mah was referring to the Federal Court's decision to dismiss the contempt case against Zainur, who was then defence counsel for jailed deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In handing down its judgement, the court's three-member panel said that Abdul Gani should provide "some answers to the allegations of fabrication of evidence".

Abdul Gani was alleged - as chief public prosecutor in the trials of the ex-deputy prime minister for sodomy and corruption - to have coerced witness S Nallakaruppan to fabricate evidence against Anwar in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Nallakaruppan, who was Anwar's tennis partner, was charged with illegal possession of firearms which upon conviction carries a mandatory death sentence.

Abdul Gani was also alleged by the opposition to have protected International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz from prosecution on five charges of corruption.

Abdul Gani's appointment, which will take effect on Jan 1 next year, has been opposed by a number of opposition parties and non-governmental organisations.

Independent view

Last Thursday, the 10,000-strong Bar Council reportedly sent a letter to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressing concern over Abdul Gani's appointment after the KL Bar Committee pushed the council to take a stand on the appointment.

Mah confirmed that the council had, at its last meeting held earlier this month, decided to convey its views directly to the prime minister.

He said that the 10,000-strong council considered the appointment of the AG as of "public concern and public interest".

On Monday, Mahathir chided the council for being easily influenced by "political opinions".

He added that the council was biased as it failed to consider Abdul Gani's true ability but rather, his involvement in a "high-profile case".

"This is unfair as Gani deserves a chance to prove himself," he said.

However, the Bar Council insisted today that its views were not swayed by outside forces.

"The Bar Council wishes to place on the record that its views are strictly independent. The Bar Council is not politically motivated and influenced by politics, politicians or political parties in any way," said Mah.