MY ATTENTION was drawn this morning to a scurrilous and wholly untrue allegation that I was corrupt while serving as attorney-general/public prosecutor. Because of the serious nature of alleged impropriety on my part while in public office, it is incumbent to respond.
To the best of my memory, in this case the accused, a son of prominent businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan, was arrested for drug offences, and charged.
As is usual in criminal matters, lawyers representing the accused submitted written representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to reconsider the decision to charge.
These letters were brought to my attention, for my decision. Having studied the representations and the investigation papers (IP), reviewing the relevant legal provisions and discussion with the case officers (all deputy public prosecutors), I recall reducing the charges.
Receiving representations from lawyers and accused, and reducing or dropping charges thereafter are common occurrences in AGC. I have no access to any documents, records or files maintained by those who prepared the IP. Accordingly, I cannot provide any further details of the case.
The allegation that I was corrupt in the context of this posting simply means that I was bribed. Malaysians must be rest assured that throughout my professional career and in my personal life, I have never paid a bribe.
During my stint as a public officer, I never received a bribe. Integrity, honesty and truth are values instilled in me as a young child, and nurtured in school. They have served me well in adulthood. Ultimately, integrity, honesty and truth are precious values to me.
Indeed, they are sacrosanct, and I have never compromised them. The allegation that I was bribed when I took this decision is therefore vigorously denied.
Incidentally, I never knew Tan Sri Vincent Tan prior to my appointment. During my professional career, I never acted for him or the numerous companies he has built. I have been back in the Bar for some 1 and a half years, and have still not represented Tan Sri or his businesses.
The timing and vileness of this attack on my integrity is linked with the Roger Ng trial just commenced in New York, involving fraudulent use of monies belonging to Malaysia.
Our politicians and personalities will be featured when evidence unfolds during this trial, which has received worldwide media coverage. Against this background, I am an easy target and a convenient digression. – The Vibes, February 19, 2022
Tan Sri Tommy Thomas is former attorney-general
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