[UPDATED] Consider RCI on Thomas’ allegations in memoir: cabinet members

KUALA LUMPUR – Cabinet members have suggested the formation of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to examine allegations made by former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas in his memoir, My Story: Justice in the Wilderness, following the findings of the special task force investigating the issue.

According to law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the RCI’s terms of commission will include a bigger scope and not be limited to the task force’s recommendations.

“The RCI is tasked with finding the truth and submitting recommendations to the government on the reform of the country’s legal institutions and not to find fault with any particular party.

“The RCI terms of commission, members, and duration will be recommended later by the government,” she said in a statement today.

The Pengerang MP pointed out that the formation of the RCI is in line with provisions in the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950, adding that the current administration views the allegations concerning abuses of professional conduct at the highest levels of government as a serious matter.

“Transparency and accountability form the basis of the people’s trust towards our administration of justice and government institutions.

“This is why the terms of commission of the RCI will have scopes not limited by the recommendations of the special task force,” she added.

The special task force led by Fong was established in December 2021 to look into allegations concerning judicial abuse and interference made by Thomas in his book.

Thomas then took legal action October last year, naming members of the special task force as defendants and claiming that its formation and purpose of looking into his conduct were illegal.  

He claimed that the publication of the report violated Sections 499 and 500 of the Penal Code and/or Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Thomas is also seeking a declaration that the government’s publication of the said report violates his right to reputation, which he said is protected by Articles 5(1) and/or 13(1) of the federal constitution.

However, the defendants in December filed to strike out Thomas’ suit, citing it as scandalous, frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the court’s process. – The Vibes, January 11, 2023