KUALA LUMPUR – The special task force investigating claims made in former attorney-general Tommy Thomas’ memoir has identified 19 key issues for the cabinet’s further action.
De facto law minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the task force’s final report, which has been presented to him, will be handed to the cabinet soon.
“The report will be submitted to the cabinet in the near future for further instructions and mandates on follow-up action to be taken,” the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said in a statement.
He did not specify what the 19 issues were. However, Thomas’ memoir, My Story: Justice in the Wilderness, had touched on issues such as the executive’s alleged interference in the judiciary, claims of selective prosecution and interference in the appointment of judges.
His memoir, published last year, was criticised by some for allegedly breaching the Official Secrets Act.
Wan Junaidi said the special task force had held 19 consultation sessions with experts, including from government agencies, non-governmental organisations and individuals.
The task force, which was chaired by former Sarawak attorney-general Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung, worked on investigating Thomas’ memoir from last December to August this year.
“There are 19 important issues from the book that need the cabinet’s further attention,” he said.
Several police reports were lodged against Thomas for allegedly insulting and tarnishing the reputation of legal institutions and legal officers, following the release of his memoir in which he criticised the capabilities of officers in the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
He is also being sued by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over portions of the book regarding the murder of Mongolian interpreter Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006. – The Vibes, August 29, 2022
