I WAS taken aback by the relevation that there is a perfect case against the former prime minister.

It is opined that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has jumped the gun in commenting on his predecessor’s charges and going into some detail of the evidence gathered.

Deja vu, dont you think?

It brings back memories of 1998, when statements of guilt were made against Anwar Ibrahim before the commencement of his trial. 

Today, Anwar has been pardoned and his trial has been declared a miscarriage of justice. We can ill afford another round of such injustice and the adverse impact it would have on the credibility of the present government.
 
Dr Mahathir is inadvertently an interested party in more ways than one and it would be prudent for the Attorney-General’s Chambers to advise him accordingly as it scrutinises the evidence before it.

It is the final part of the jigsaw puzzle in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd saga before the battle begins in the courts. 

Biased comments on the evidence by those in position can affect the validity of the outcome. The AGC has the heavy task of ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done, and that it is done fairly and professionally to all parties concerned.
 
Transparency does not require detailed revelations of the nation’s state of affairs. There is a limit to what can be revealed and, although transparency is good for administrative accountability, it is better to be discreet with matters that could affect socioeconomic confidence.

Those in position at the moment are new to the job and will in due course get the hang of it. Although time may not be on their side, this shortcoming is compensated by integrity, honour and pride. These values are in abundance with the new administration.
 
Nevertheless, old horses and old habits die hard as we move into the second month of “New Malaysia”. 

From the nation’s financial situation to the exposure of more financial misappropriations, we find ourselves immersed in a quagmire of public officials who have enriched themselves by abusing their positions in government service.

It would be prudent to focus on ensuring that the black sheep are weeded out and only those with integrity be retained in significant positions.

Reforms and restoring the integrity of the civil service should be the main priority. Leave the prosecution of Malaysian Official 1 (MO1) to the relevant limbs of the criminal justice system and let the law take its course.
 
The prime minister or any other person for that matter must be advised firmly to stop all official comments on the case with immediate effect. – AFP, June 21, 2018.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.