Tommy Thomas not doing justice to Chambers, says A-G

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 4 Feb 2021 8:00PM · 6 Comments

The book ‘My Story: Justice in the Wilderness’ has ruffled a few feathers in Malaysia, the latest being the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the staff of which have been demoralised by its contents, says Attorney-General Idrus Harun. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, February 4, 2021.

TOMMY Thomas does not understand the workings of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) despite heading the agency as the attorney-general for 20 months, said his successor Idris Harun.

He said it was unbecoming for Thomas to disparage a public office or his former position in his memoir, which shows his lack of understanding.

Idris also said he stood by the staff at the AGC and their work.

“I would like to emphasise and assure you that I am not influenced by the content of the book, which clearly shows superficial thoughts from a person who does not understand public service institutions especially the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the function of the attorney-general itself,” he said in a statement today.

Idris said it was proven that the AGC’s staff can handle big cases, on par with lawyers from the private sector.  He added that he had been part of the system for 35 years before becoming the A-G.

“I have no doubts in the abilities, skills, commitment and dedication of lawyers in handling responsibilities and carrying out their duties fair and just without fear or favour.

“In fact, I am proud since the book came out, the officers of this department have shown they can get results from big cases siding the government.

“They have the capacity and capabilities to handle cases on par or even better than private sector lawyers,” he said.

Idrus added that Thomas’ book had affected the morale of the AGC officers and created a negative impression of the AGC.

“It directly affects the morale and spirit of legal officers,” he said.

Idrus was appointed attorney-general on March 6, 2020 to replace Thomas who resigned a week earlier after the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration collapsed.

Thomas held the post between June 2018 and the end of February 2020, after PH became the government upon winning the 14th general election.

Thomas, in his book “My Story: Justice in the Wilderness”, wrote about how incompetent his staff and the AGC were, as well as being partisan, among other issues.

The book has ruffled a few feathers after numerous figures named in the book, like former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former attorney-general Apandi Ali and former prime minister Najib Razak contested the contents of the book.

Several police reports had also been lodged, including Apandi’s today, accusing Thomas of slandering him.

Former solicitor-general Mohamad Hanafiah Zakaria also lodged a police report against Thomas for tarnishing his reputation,

Hanafiah said Thomas had written in his memoir that the solicitor-general was incapable of prosecuting Najib for corruption in the SRC International case.

Yesterday, Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Fadzil Ahmat said Thomas was under investigation for criminal defamation following Hanafiah’s report. Fadzil said police would call Thomas to record his statement. – February 4, 2021.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Maruah

    Posted 3 years ago by The Rover · Reply

  • Tommy Thomass courage to call a spade a spade should be lauded. This is what leaders must do. Make tough calls and not be cowed by the

    Posted 3 years ago by Loyal Malaysian · Reply

  • TT expected a certain standard and nothing wrong with that. Variety and difference of views is what makes us different. TT put in writing his views and did not hold back. One can disagree but that makes no difference to what he has put down in his memoir. His credibility and openness is what makes the book worth a good read.

    Posted 3 years ago by Edwin N · Reply

  • Did this stooge just wake up from his stupor?

    Posted 3 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • Unfortunately, I think Tommy Thomas achieved more in his 20 months than the current AG or previous AG combined. Without Tommy Thomas, all those BN sharks will continue to devour their corrupted funds..

    Posted 3 years ago by Against Corruption · Reply

  • Unfortunately, I think Tommy Thomas achieved more in his 20 months than the current AG or previous AG combined. Without Tommy Thomas, all those BN sharks will continue to devour their corrupted funds..

    Posted 3 years ago by Against Corruption · Reply