Thomas’ book shows AG has too much power, says Tok Mat

 

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has proposed reforms for the duties of the attorney-general.

PETALING JAYA: Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has called for reforms of the attorney-general’s (AG) role, saying Tommy Thomas’ memoir shows the person holding the post has too much power.

Mohamad said the book, “My Story: Justice in the Wilderness”, illustrated the broad influence the attorney-general and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had in the administration of law in the country.

He said this is why the government needed to think of two reforms – on the appointment of the attorney-general and the limiting of his power – something the Malaysian Bar had also called for.

“Malaysia must have a more transparent and credible method in appointing an AG. Allowing the appointment of the AG to remain the sole prerogative of the prime minister needs to be reviewed,” Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, said.

Mohamad said there was a need to separate the role of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, and that the government should consider doing this.

“Although I am realistic that amending Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution requires two-thirds majority support, and this is difficult, preparations to work towards this must be done for the credible implementation and administration of laws,” he said.

Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution touches on the powers of the attorney-general.

In his book, Thomas had revealed alleged executive interference during his 20-month stint as the attorney-general under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration.

He claimed that Mahathir told him to avoid any open court proceedings in attempts to extradite controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

He also said the home ministry was livid when he decided to withdraw charges against 12 people, who included DAP elected representatives, on terror-related acts linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. - FMT