Thomas an easy target after A-G Chambers dropped graft case, says Dr Mahathir

Bede Hong Bede Hong Updated 7 years ago · Published on 18 Sep 2018 4:40PM · 3 Comments

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas’ appointment was criticised by Malay rights group and since then, his every move is scrutinised. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 18, 2018.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Tommy Thomas has been facing mounting criticism after Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s corruption case was dropped, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“Oh yes, there has been criticism,” Dr Mahathir told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today after officiating an energy conference.

“But as you know, the previous government victimises all the opposition… They selected Guan Eng for a special purpose, to get rid of him,” he said.

“There are many people who have done what Lim has done but they were not selected (to be prosecuted).”

Earlier this month, the Penang High Court acquitted Lim of charges that he had bought a bungalow at below market price from his former landlord Phang Li Khoon in 2016, when he was Penang chief minister.

Dr Mahathir told reporters today that Lim’s corruption case was “not the same” as former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, who was jailed for 12 months for using his position then to purchase land and bungalow units in Shah Alam.

However, he did not elaborate on how it was different.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng with his lawyers and supporters at Penang High Court earlier this month where he was acquitted of corruption and abuse of power charges. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 18, 2018.

Lawyers and civil society groups said the Attorney-General’s Chambers had showed a lack of accountability dropping the case without clarifying the reasons for doing so.

Dr Mahathir also said today he was unaware of a news report quoting a source as saying that Thomas had resigned.

Thomas immediately refuted the story and the news site later retracted the story and issued an apology.

Thomas’ appointment as attorney-general on June 4 was met with opposition from Malay-rights groups who said the position should be held by a Malay or Muslim. – September 18, 2018.

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Comments

  • MUSLIM MALAY AG ALL PENIPU CORRUPTED NOT DOING JUSTICE . MALAY MUSLIM AG'S have DESTROYED ALL LAW N ORDER IN MALAYSIA .

    Posted 7 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply

  • Dear Honourable AG, pls prevail for the sake of the nation. Do not let those dishonourable people who will use race , religion to get you down. Be strong in your faith and be truthful in your work to save our country for the future generations. Thank you Sir !

    Posted 7 years ago by Msian First · Reply

  • Tommy Thomas will be A-G for 2 years only, unless his term is extended by Dr. M. He was appointed on merit, like our late A-G, Dato Athi Nahappan was, in 1974. (As a kid my late Girl Guides aunt and I were invited to share lunch with him and his family on a Port Dickson beach). Aspiring Malay-Muslim A-G(s) who wish to succeed Tommy Thomas will do well to learn from his expertise and discipline and up their standard as he grapples with 1MDB and related matters?.

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply