Law Minister Calls Ex Ag S Book Malicious And Nonsensical

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De facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan has panned former attorney general Tommy Thomas' book My Story: Justice in the Wilderness and dismissed it as nonsensical and malicious.
"After researching the contents and essence of the book diligently, I felt many aspects of the book were nonsense especially those that touch on the question of accountability, transparency, and sense of justice of legal officers on duty in the Attorney General's Chambers and also in courts throughout the country.
"As a former legal officer in court when beginning my career in law in the 1980s and as a member of the Judicial and Legal Service Officers’ Association (Jalsoa) I strongly believe every legal officer who serves will always adhere to key principles of law.
"By sticking to those principles, we will always act within the scope of the law, free from any influence, impulse, pressure, threat, or disruption, either directly or indirectly, from any party leading to directly affecting the integrity and duties of legal officers," said Takiyuddin.
Thomas' book has been met with opposition after it allegedly exposed many internal wranglings that led to the fall of the Pakatan Harapan federal government. It also contained a number of revelations about the workings of the country's legal system.
Police are now investigating Thomas for criminal defamation following a report lodged by former solicitor general Mohamad Hanafiah Zakaria. Thomas' predecessor Apandi Ali has also filed a police report, accusing Thomas of committing offences under the Penal Code with regard to defamation and section 203A of the Official Secrets Act.
Thomas has chosen to remain silent on the backlash which also saw his successor Idris Harun branding the memoir as an “insult to the institution of law”.
"I think the writing of the book is clearly directed to have elements of ‘humiliation’ as well as being 'mala fide' with the result being to undermine the integrity and dignity of the country's legal institutions in general and legal officers in particular," added Takiyuddin, who is also Kota Bharu MP.
He said the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) and courts are legal institutions that are open to opinions, suggestions, and constructive criticism.

Former attorney general Apandi Ali
"This is our attitude which respects the principles of fundamental freedoms found in the Federal Constitution.
"We think that constructive criticism can further improve the quality of implementation of judicial and legal duties among our officers. However, such reprimands should be made with sincere intentions and “with reasonable courtesy and responsibility within the limits of the law," he added.
Takiyuddin said that as the minister responsible for legal affairs as well as being a law practitioner since 1990, he believes the process of justice could not be carried out effectively without the support of legal officers in the AGC, in the court, and in the private sector.
"The integration and cooperation of these three sectors ensure that law and justice can be upheld in society.
"I am also confident in my abilities, commitment, dedication, skills, and that the honesty of legal officers in the AGC and in the courts cannot be questioned at all.
"Therefore, I guarantee that the government will always monitor and act in accordance with the law against any efforts to denigrate the legislature and the judiciary as well as its officers," he said.
He called on legal officers to cultivate resolve and enthusiasm in fulfilling their responsibilities and trust given to them to uphold the principles of law "without fear or favour".
Recently, Court of Appeal judge Hamid Sultan Abu Backer, who made allegations of judicial misconduct, was suspended by the Judges’ Ethics Committee (JEC) until Aug 27 when he is due to retire.
In February 2019, Hamid filed an affidavit claiming fraud in the judiciary. A substantial part of the affidavit has since been expunged.
The then Harapan government considered setting up a royal commission of inquiry to investigate the claims, but Thomas said this did not materialise due to objections by judges. - Mkini

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