Former Sabah chief minister Yong Teck Lee has denied the existence of hidden hands behind his originating summons to challenge the constitutionality of the proposed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into judicial misconduct.
“As stated in my affidavit, I was a victim of judicial interference in an election petition case in the year 2000.
“But I believe as a citizen that judicial misconduct must be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Constitution and not by way of an RCI.
It would become a precedent if no one speaks up to object when our constitution is trampled upon,” he added in a statement to Malaysiakini.
Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that certain quarters within Pakatan Harapan, as well as former top judges, are purportedly opposed to the RCI, fearing that it would open a can of worms.
A high-ranking government official said this after de facto law minister Liew Vui Keong, who is also the Batu Sapi MP, cited Yong's legal action as the reason for the delay in the setting up of the RCI.
The Sabah MP had said the government would wait for the decision on the matter, which is scheduled to be heard on July 2, before deciding on the next course of action.
However, Yong, in his statement to Malaysiakini this evening, said he had strong and sufficient grounds to file the originating summons on April 29.
The SAPP president also said he was advised by senior lawyers highly respected in the legal fraternity regarding this but did not disclose their names.
“I believe the federal cabinet was wrongly advised when the cabinet decided to form the RCI. Who gave the wrong advice is for the de facto law minister to explain.
“I have also listed down the possible cases of conflict of interests among ministers concerned.
“Whoever is the official who made the blunder of giving wrong legal advice to the cabinet should not shift the blame to others or to so-called hidden hands,” he added.
In February, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government would establish an RCI following Court of Appeal judge Hamid Sultan Abu Backer's explosive allegationsin an affidavit.
In the affidavit, Hamid, who alleged judicial impropriety, had expressed regret that the then chief justice Richard Malanjum is not seeking an RCI.
Following, Mahathir's announcement, there was a debate as to the scope of the RCI - Mkini
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