List of members for RCI probe into former AG's book to be submitted to King

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced that the government will submit a list of members for the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the book ‘My Story: Justice in the Wilderness’ written by former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas. The list will be tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to the Cabinet and to obtain the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Zahid Hamidi explained that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of the RCI. However, legal action taken by Tommy Thomas against the members of the task force has delayed the progress of the investigation. Therefore, the new RCI members, yet to be appointed, will review the details from the task force to continue the investigation.

He urged Azalina to submit the list of names to the Cabinet to expedite the appointment of the RCI members and obtain the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Azalina had previously announced that the government has approved an RCI to thoroughly examine the issues surrounding the integrity and independence of the judiciary and legislation in Malaysia.

The controversy surrounding Tommy Thomas’ book, published in January 2021, arose from his claims of discussions held with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad regarding appointments of key judicial positions.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of Barisan Nasional, stated that he would consider giving a senator post to Friends of BN during the Makkal Sakti Party’s 15th annual general meeting. He also called on all Barisan component parties and Friends of BN to join the government’s efforts in eradicating urban poverty, emphasizing that it is a national agenda and not a political one.

In his keynote speech, Makkal Sakti President Datuk Seri RS Thanenthiran requested Ahmad Zahid to consider granting a senator position to one of the party’s leaders as a gesture of gratitude for their longstanding companionship. He also requested the scrutiny of their application to become a Barisan component partner. – Bernama