Former Sarawak AG to chair task force probing Tommy Thomas’ allegations

Former Sarawak attorney-general Fong Joo Chung will chair a special government task force to look into the allegations made by ex-AG Tommy Thomas in his autobiography “My Story: Justice in the Wilderness”.

Law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the task force would also comprise former Sabah state secretary Hashim Paijan; former women, family and community development ministry secretary-general Junaidah Kamaruddin; former judge Jagjit Singh Bant Singh; and lawyers Shaharudin Ali and K Balaguru; in addition to representatives from the relevant ministries and departments including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police.

“The special task force will submit its findings and recommendations to a Cabinet meeting within six months from the date of appointment as decided by the Cabinet on Oct 29, 2021,” he said in a statement.

The task force was announced in October by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who said it would investigate Thomas’ claims of abuse of power in the appointment of judges, excessive interference by the executive in the judiciary, political and selective prosecution, and breach of oath of confidentiality.

Wan Junaidi said the legal affairs division, the Prime Minister’s Department and the Attorney-General’s Chambers would act as the secretariat for the committee.

“A Cabinet memorandum on the establishment of the special task force including the terms of reference, membership and financial implications will be tabled for Cabinet consideration and approval in the near future,” he added.