Cabinet agrees to RCI on claims in ex-AG Thomas' memoir

The Cabinet has agreed to establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to examine the report by the special task force on the allegations made former attorney-general Tommy Thomas in his memoir, "My Story: Justice in the Wilderness".

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said the set-up of the RCI was in line with the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950 (Act 119) which is under the jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

She said the Cabinet had agreed to the RCI after examining the recommendations by the special task force chaired by Fong Joo Chung at its meeting today. 

"The government views seriously the allegations involving the violation of professional responsibilities by an individual in a top position. This is because transparency and accountability are the basis of people's trust in the administration of justice and government institutions.

"As such, the proposed RCI terms of commission will have a wider scope and will not be limited to the recommendations that have been submitted by the special  task force," she said in a statement today.
 
She said the RCI aimed to find the truth and submit recommendations to the government to bring reform to the country's legal institution, not to find fault with any party.

She said the detailed terms, membership and duration of the RCI would be proposed later by the government.