New attorney-general Tommy Thomas has made it his immediate priority to handle criminal proceedings against alleged wrongdoers involved in the 1MDB affair.
"All are equal before the law and no one will be spared. There will be no cover-up," he declared during a press conference after assuming office today.
Thomas said he would be studying investigation papers and contacting other jurisdictions for assistance in investigations and the repatriation of funds.
His second priority was to repeal oppressive laws. However, he commented that the list of such laws ran "pretty long."
Thomas further promised that Malaysia would no longer see selective prosecutions, while those who had committed no wrong would have nothing to fear.
"Malaysia is a free country, we should not fear the midnight knock of the policemen.
"But those who flout the laws will be met with the full force of the law, regardless of their stations in life.
"On my part, I promise to do the right thing, that is, to tell the truth, and to do justice.
"Justice will not only be done but must be seen to be done," he said.
Review contracts
Meanwhile, he added that his third priority was to study obligations undertaken by previous administrations, such as contracts with other countries, to ascertain if any were against Malaysia's interests.
On the separation of role between the attorney-general and public prosecutor, Thomas stated doing so would "take some time."
This was promised in Pakatan Harapan's election manifesto, and would likely require constitutional amendments.
Thomas's appointment as attorney-general ran into some hiccups earlier on when it was reported that the Conference of Rulers were pushing for a Muslim candidate.
However, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V consented to the appointment yesterday.
Thomas received his appointment letter last night, with his two-year term beginning on June 4.
Replying to criticism on his race and religious identity, Thomas said he valued free speech and was open to criticism.
“It is absolutely nothing. In fact, I rather listen to criticism than praises or good things. So that’s absolutely no problem,” he said. -Mkini
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