[UPDATED] Former AG’s controversial book tops Amazon category

KUALA LUMPUR –  Despite earning brickbats at home, former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas’ controversial memoir is a top seller on global e-commerce platform Amazon.

Under Amazon’s “Hot New Releases”, Thomas’ book My Story: Justice in the Wilderness has earned the top spot under the Biographies of Lawyers and Judges category.

The digital edition of Thomas’ book edged out US vice-president Kamala Harris’ Kamala’s Way: An American Life by Dan Morain, and another titled Transactions: Memoir and Life Lessons of a Transactional Real Estate Lawyer in third place in the hourly updated list.

Thomas’ book is retailing at US$15 (RM61), while Kamala’s Way is being sold at one cent less at US$14.99.

Earlier today Wanita Umno divisions across the country were the latest to file several police reports regarding the contents of the book.

Wing head Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad urged authorities to seize all published copies of the book, for fear of inciting hatred among the many races in Malaysia.

At least 134 police reports have been lodged pertaining to Thomas’ book as of today, according to Bernama, including by fellow former attorney-general and predecessor Tan Sri Apandi Ali, and former solicitor-general III Datuk Mohamad Hanafiah Zakaria, who accused Thomas of tarnishing their names and that of the public legal service.

Police have opened three investigation papers related to the contents of the memoir.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the investigation is being carried out by Bukit Aman’s Classified Criminal Investigation Unit and will be done in detail before any party, including Thomas, is called in to record a statement.

“One of the investigation papers was opened in accordance with Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation, while another is in accordance with (leaking information) and Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act 1972.

“The third investigation paper was opened in accordance with Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 (acts that have a tendency to incite),” he said when contacted today.

In addition, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has sought an apology and RM10 million in compensation from Thomas after he was allegedly linked in the book to the infamous murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006.

Najib’s successor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in an exclusive interview with an online portal also weighed in on the book, saying he regretted his decision to hire Thomas as attorney-general, following the release of the memoir. – The Vibes, February 7, 2021