KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak legal adviser and former state attorney-general Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung will be heading a special task force to probe allegations made by former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas in his autobiography, My Story: Justice in the Wilderness.
In a statement today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the special task force will investigate the allegations, which include abuse of power in appointing judges, interference of the executive body in the judicial system and claims of selective prosecution.
“At the same time, the police will also investigate the allegations.
“The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) would act as the secretariat of the committee.
“The memorandum on the establishment of this special task force, including terms of reference, members and financial implications will be tabled for the cabinet’s consideration and approval in the near future.
“This special task force will submit its findings and recommendations to the cabinet within six months from the date of appointment as decided by the cabinet on October 29,” he said.
Other special officers in the special task force include former Sabah state secretary Datuk Hashim Paijan, former director of the legal affairs division Datuk Dr Junaidah Kamaruddin, former judge and Attorney-General’s Chambers senior federal counsel Datuk Jagjit Singh Bant Singh; lawyer Datuk Shaharudin Ali, lawyer Balaguru Karupiah and representatives from interested ministries and departments.
The government had previously set up two other special committees – one to carry out a study in challenging the International Court of Justice’s decision on the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh, and the other to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim. – The Vibes, December 8, 2021
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