THE Malaysian Bar is of the view information shared by former attorney-general Tommy Thomas in his memoir on the alleged incompetence in the attitude, commitment and dedication of Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) officers are inaccurate.

Its president, Salim Bashir, in a statement today, said what was stated in the book My Story: Justice in the Wilderness were his own views and did not represent the opinions of the Malaysian Bar. 

He said the Malaysian Bar had good professional relations with various levels and divisions in the AGC and the professionalism of officers in the department was very good and commendable.

As such, he said the Malaysian Bar was of the opinion it was inaccurate to label the whole AGC machinery as incompetent, lack desire for progress and not competitive compared with lawyers in the private sector.

“The level of competence demonstrated by the AGC officers, especially the deputy public prosecutors and federal counsels in handling a case is something to be proud of and it shows an excellent level of capability on par with private lawyers,” he said.

Salim said if Thomas wanted to criticise the AGC, he should have done while he was in service, or at least offer a more constructive criticism now that he has resigned.

He said, although admittedly there were several shortcomings among the officers, it was normal in every organisation, either in the public or the private sector.

“We cannot make a general assumption of the attitude of officers and lawyers in the AGC.

“We (Malaysian Bar) believe many of AGC officers are capable of dealing with and prepared to accept constructive criticisms, aimed at improving themselves,” he said.

Salim said many judges who were now in the top stratum of the judiciary had started their career in the AGC.     

These judges were also capable of writing excellent judgment and had precise legal knowledge on par with those of other judges who had served as lawyers before, he said.

Thomas, 69, was appointed as attorney-general to replace Mohamed Apandi Ali on June 4, 2018, when Dr Mahathir Mohamad became the country’s seventh prime minister.

However, he decided to step down on February 28, 2020, about four months before his contract ended in June 2020.

As of last Sunday, police had received 134 reports nationwide and had opened three investigation papers on the content of Thomas’ book, which allegedly insulted various quarters.

Among those who had lodged police reports after Thomas launched his book were Apandi and former solicitor-general III Mohamad Hanafiah Zakaria. – Bernama, February 9, 2021.