KUALA LUMPUR – The updated police investigation papers into former attorney-general (AG) Tan Sri Tommy Thomas’ memoir will be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers on Monday for further instructions.
In a brief statement issued by Royal Malaysia Police secretary Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin, this comes after the special investigation task force’s briefing to the cabinet and the prime minister’s instructions to the authorities.
She added that police have recorded a statement from Thomas.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday ordered the authorities to investigate Thomas for sedition and breaching the Official Secrets Act, among others, over several allegations the former AG made in his autobiography.
The decision was made in yesterday’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.
“The special task force has subsequently made several recommendations for the government’s consideration,” said the prime minister 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 Sections 124I and 203A of the Penal Code respectively, for disseminating false reports likely to cause public alarm and disclosure of information obtained during the discharge of one’s 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.
Last month, law minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar revealed that the special task force 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. – The Vibes, October 1, 2022
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