Two DAP leaders continued to remain at odds on the suitability of Abdul Gani Patail's appointment as attorney-general but their differences were today dismissed as part of the party's democratic tradition.

Party chairperson Lim Kit Siang today reiterated his stand that Abdul Gani should clear all doubts about the propriety of his appointment while publicity bureau secretary Gobind Singh Deo stood by his endorsement for Abdul Gani as the new AG.

Lim who praised the Bar Council for voicing out its concern yesterday over the AG's appointment repeated his call to Abdul Gani not to accept the post until all doubts about the propriety of his appointment were cleared.

Lim added that Gani's appointment would be a sham if he were to be the first AG to come into office 'under a cloud' and in the face of 'public concern' voiced by the 10,000-strong membership of the Bar Council.

Endorsement still valid

Meanwhile, Gobind who made the controversial endorsement for Abdul Gani's appointment last week reiterated that despite having made some highly unpopular decisions as a prosecutor in the past, the new AG should be given the chance to prove his mettle.

He however concurred with the official party stand that Abdul Gani should clear all doubts over his previous conduct, particularly during the trials of jailed deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, before assuming the new role.

"The post of AG is one which demands public accountability and Abdul Gani must, accordingly, be sensitive and responsible to queries from all sectors of society, be it the opposition or otherwise.

"He must make full and effective use of this opportunity and not remain silent over so large an issue as the office of AG sits closely to the public eye wherein accountability and transparency are strict requirements without a doubt," Gobind said.

However, in a telephone interview with malaysiakini , Gobind conceded that he too would find it difficult to maintain his support for Abdul Gani should he fail to respond to current public concerns over the suitability of his appointment.

No serious repercussions

He said that Abdul Gani had enough time and should use the remaining days prior to his Jan 1 appointment to assuage the fears and concerns of the public.

Gobind added that Abdul Gani has the capability and strength to respond adequately based on his past dealings with the former head prosecutor.

However, he declined to comment on why he made the surprised endorsement without first consulting the DAP leadership, but added that there have been no serious repercussions against him for his actions.

"The DAP leaders have shown themselves to be perfect gentlemen over this matter and I am impressed with the level of maturity demonstrated," said Gobind, whose views on Abdul Gani's appointment were unknown to party leaders prior to his press statement last Friday.

Lim stressed, in a statement released today, that the party would not take any action against Gobind for speaking out as democracy "flourishes" in DAP.

"What is important is whether Gobind's views and arguments are right and in the best interests of the party and nation, and if they are, they will be given serious consideration," he said.

Strong protest

The Bar Council yesterday strenuously defended its stand in questioning the controversial appointment of Abdul Gani.

Council chairman Mah Keng Kwai urged the government to give due respect to the Federal Court's recommendation that Abdul Gani provide "some answers to the allegations of fabrication of evidence" in the Zainur Zakaria contempt case.

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

Zainur alleged that Abdul Gani, as head prosecutor, had 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, if convicted, carries a mandatory death sentence.