PKR today described the alleged optional retirement bid by two senior prosecutors as open signs that cracks within the Attorney-General's Chambers were forming.

Based on "reliable information", PKR vice president R Sivarasa claimed that both prosecution division head Yusof Zainal Abiden and deputy public prosecutor Sallehuddin Saidin had already applied for optional retirement.

Sivarasa, who is a practising lawyer, alleged that this was a result of "serious conflicts" within the AG's Chambers that was publicly highlighted during the start of the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial.

Sallehuddin was initially the chief prosecutor in the case but was replaced at the eleventh hour by Tun Majid Tun Hamzah who was heading the civil division in the AG's Chambers.

Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail justified the move then, as one done in the interest of fairness as Sallehuddin plays badminton with Justice Mohd Zaki Md Yasin who is presiding over the murder trial.

"Criminal cases come strictly under the prosecution division. When Tun Majid ( was involved (in the case) it was clear among those in the legal fraternity that the entire prosecution division (headed by Yusof) was pushed aside.

"This trend created serious conflicts and clearly, the trend is spilling over (and resulting in the duo seeking optional retirement). It shows again, to us, that the AG's Chambers is facing a management crisis," said Sivarasa during PKR's weekly press conference at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Resignation rumour denied

Since Tuesday, rumours have been rife that Yusof and Sallehudin would resign due to Abdul Gani's handling of the murder trial.

Contacted yesterday, both individuals denied the matter and also denied having applied for optional retirement. The AG Chambers also issued an official denial .

Responding to this, Sivarasa said resignations were not the norm in civil service, but suggested that applying for optional retirement 'too early' indicated problems within the AG's Chambers.

"(The two) prosecutors are between 40 to 50 in age, at the peak periods of their careers. Why would they ask for optional retirement at such an age?" he asked.

On another matter, Sivarasa also announced PKR's endorsement of Transparency International Malaysia's call for a full disclosure of two recent corruption investigations announced by Abdul Gani.

Last Friday, the AG cleared both Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan and former Anti-Corruption Agency head Zulkipli Mat Noor of a litany of corruption allegations for lack of evidence.

AG must explain

Sivarasa said the AG must explain why his team had failed to look into damning allegations of corruption against Musa which appeared on news portal Malaysia Today .

"If (the articles published in Malaysia Today ) were false, then tell us what is the truth," he said.

Malaysia Today had accused Musa of underworld links and corruption. Musa had denied the allegations and welcomed the probe by the ACA.

On Zulkipli's case, Sivarasa said Abdul Gani must provide the public with a detailed explanation of how the former ACA chief could have amassed so much wealth based on savings alone.

"It was clear that the properties he owned were worth millions," added Sivarasa.

Investigations into Zulkipli's assets, among others, were prompted by a report lodged by former Sabah ACA chief Mohamad Ramli Abdul Manan.

Mohamad Ramli claimed that Zulkipli owned properties in numerous locations throughout the country and Gold Coast, Australia.