PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail’s tenure as the Attorney-General was terminated with effect Monday due to health reasons.

Announcing this Tuesday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said Gani Patail was replaced by former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali (pic) with immediate effect.

Abdul Gani will continue to serve as the Judicial and Legal Service officer until his mandatory retirement on Oct 6 this year, said Ali Hamsa in a statement.

"Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail has contributed tremendously to the country as the Attorney-General. On behalf of the government, I wish to record my deepest appreciation and thanks for the service he has rendered and hope he will always be blessed with good health," he said.

Ali Hamsa said the appointment of Mohamed Apandi was made in accordance with Article 145(1) of the Federal Constitution and had received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah upon the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

When asked by The Star, Mohamed Apandi said he received the letter of his appointment from the Chief Secretary to the Government on Tuesday.

"To me, it is an honour to be given the (position), and the Prime Minister and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong having confidence in me.

It is a big responsibility as basically I have been appointed as adviser to the Government," said Mohamed Apandi.

He said he had also gone to the Attorney-General's Chambers to meet the staff.

"My phone keeps ringing," he said, when asked on his first day of work.