KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki today laid out seven reasons for the setting up of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate the contents of former attorney-general (AG) Tan Sri Tommy Thomas’ memoir.
In a Facebook post today, Asyraf said Thomas allegedly admitted in his book, My Story: Justice in the Wilderness, to influencing decisions related to the appointment of judges, including the chief justice.
“Following these revelations, an RCI investigation should be merged with the accusations contained in an affidavit filed by Court of Appeal judge Datuk Hamid Sultan Abu Backer.”
The Judges’ Ethics Committee yesterday suspended Hamid Sultan for six months, effectively ending his tenure on the bench.
Asyraf also pointed to the alleged violation of separation of powers by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Thomas.
“Revelations by Thomas also shows Dr Mahathir’s interference in the judiciary. This is clearly violating the concept of separation of powers spelt out in the federal constitution.”
He brought up selective prosecution practices, such as the dropping of charges against former finance minister Lim Guan Eng, the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) 12 and other Pakatan Harapan members.
He also claimed that Thomas might have violated the Official Secrets Act 1972, lobbied for the attorney-general position, and insulted Malaysia’s legal institution.
Asyraf said Thomas has in the book complained that staff members in the AG’s Chambers were too bureaucratic, and had no commitment and competence to handle their tasks.
“This allegation is very serious as it will have a negative impact on the people’s perceptions on the nation’s legal institution.”
Yesterday, Umno Youth exco members Muhamad Nur Aizat Noor Azam and Datuk Muhammad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin lodged a report against Thomas over his book.
They said its content could harm the image of the country’s judiciary and legal system.
Police today confirmed that seven reports have been lodged against the former AG over his publication.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the reports have prompted authorities to open two investigation papers into the book.
It was also reported that the book might be banned by the Home Ministry. – The Vibes, February 5, 2021
