Tell The Truth If You Don T Want People To Speculate Zaid Tells Agc

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The Attorney-General’s Chambers should be transparent with the people if they do not want the public to speculate about cases, said former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.
Zaid said the agency should not expect blind faith from the public, and telling the public not to speculate while withholding information only fuels speculation.
“When a government or the AGC urges the public not to speculate or question - whether about Yusoff Rawther’s acquittal, Najib Abdul Razak’s addendum, or Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) - it places a burden on itself to earn trust through transparency.
“Telling the public not to speculate, while withholding the truth, only fuels suspicion.
“If the AGC wants the public not to speculate, then publish detailed reasons for prosecutorial decisions. Don’t expect blind faith,” he said on Facebook today.
‘Trial by media’
Yesterday, the AGC urged the public to stop speculating and spreading slander over Yusoff’s acquittal.
“We urge the public to refrain from making any speculation or spreading slander over the matter, especially if it involves making comments outside of the scope of the court’s judgment.
“Our criminal justice system must never be affected by trial by media, insinuations, or insults,” it added.
On June 12, the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted Yusoff, the former research assistant to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, of drug trafficking and imitation weapon possession charges.
Judge Jamil Hussin ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case on both charges.
Sabah graft scandal
Taking the government to task, Zaid said Putrajaya has much to explain to the public on several matters.
Among others, he said the government must answer why the MACC is only planning to charge two individuals over the Sabah mineral prospecting licence corruption scandal.
Zaid was referring to MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s statement on June 12, where he hinted at the possibility of further prosecutions against other individuals.
As for Najib’s case, Zaid said the government should also explain why it did not act on the addendum despite its existence being proven in court.
“Honest governments accept responsibility for decisions and outcomes, especially when mistakes are made.
“They do not blame the media, courts or the people for ‘misunderstandings’ while avoiding direct answers,” he added. - Mkini

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