KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 – The Cabinet has agreed to set up a special investigation task force to conduct a preliminary study before any further action is taken against the allegations of former Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, in his book ‘My Story: Justice in the Wilderness’.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the task force would be chaired by a former Chief Justice who would be appointed in the near future.
“The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) act as the secretariat,” he said in a statement today.
He said the proposed special task force of investigation was among others aimed at investigating Thomas’ allegations of abuse of power in the issue of the appointment of judges. The team will also investigate allegations of extreme executive interference in the judiciary, selective and political prosecutions as well as breaches of the oath of secrecy.
Ismail Sabri said the committee would be given six months to obtain findings and recommendations which would be tabled in the Cabinet meeting for follow-up action.
On Feb 28 last year, Thomas resigned as Attorney General, four months before his contract expired following the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government. He handed over his resignation letter to interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the same day.
Thomas, 69, was appointed by Tun Mahathir on June 4, 2018 for a two-term basis to replace Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali after the Barisan Nasional government lost in the 14th General Election. Thomas’ term of office is supposed to end in June 2020.
Thomas who is a senior lawyer had published a book entitled ‘My Story: Justice in the Wilderness’ earlier this year, which drew a lot of criticism from various quarters, including the Attorney General’s Chambers, lawyers, politicians and the public for allegedly containing elements of incitement, insult and slander.
As a result, the police have received more than 100 reports against Thomas regarding the publication of the book.
