KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has ordered the authorities to investigate former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas for sedition and breaching the Official Secrets Act, among others, over several allegations he made in his autobiography.
The decision was made in today’s cabinet meeting following a briefing by the special task force set up to probe Thomas’ claims in his memoir My Story: Justice in the Wilderness, which was published in January 2021.
Ismail Sabri said based on the task force’s investigation, several alleged acts of misconduct had been identified, covering four issues.
They involve allegations made against the Malaysian judiciary, revelations relating to government official secrets and documents, abuse of power and professional negligence, and issuing of seditious statements.
“The special task force has subsequently made several recommendations for the government’s consideration,” he said in a statement today.
“In view of this, I have ordered for further investigation to be conducted by the relevant authorities to probe the possibility of wrongdoing involving Thomas.”
Specifically, Ismail Sabri said investigations will be conducted under Section 124I and 203A of the Penal Code respectively, for disseminating false reports likely to cause public alarm and disclosure of information obtained during the discharging of his official duties.
Thomas will also be probed under Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948 for issuing seditious statements, Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1972 for wrongful communication of official secrets, and Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 for using his position for gratification.
The special task force investigating Thomas’ book, which was established last October, took nine months to complete its probe and submit its report to the government.
The group aims to investigate allegations involving misuse of power in the appointment of judges, executive interference in the affairs of the judiciary, selective and political prosecution, as well as breaching the oath of secrecy, among others, contained in the book.
Sarawak legal adviser and former state attorney-general Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung headed the task force.
Last month, Wan Junaidi revealed that the special task force has identified 19 key issues and that the report would be presented to the cabinet in the near future for further instructions on follow-up action.
In a statement yesterday, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had expressed hope that the cabinet will not attempt to conceal findings from the probe.
He said his concern stemmed from the fact that the current coalition government also comprises former cabinet members from the Pakatan Harapan administration who had worked with Thomas during the coalition’s 22 months in federal power. – The Vibes, September 30, 2022
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