YOURSAY | Investigate the allegations, not writer of the book

YOURSAY | ‘This is a classic case of shooting the messenger.’

Tommy Thomas won't cooperate with special task force probing his book

Mazilamani: It is not the first time that a prominent Malaysian has written a book about his experiences.

One of the first to write, if I recall, was Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the early 70s (about 50 years ago), and that book is still being debated to this day.

Many others have written books after him. I don't think any commission or task force was set up to question the contents penned by the previous authors. So why former attorney-general Tommy Thomas?

His book must have definitely hurt some raw nerves.

Yet again, those who were with him in Pakatan Harapan have gone into church mice mode. Where are they?

Thomas might have chewed over the matter and gotten advice from people within his inner circle to take a strong stand of not cooperating with the task force set up to investigate his book.

OrangeViper2887: Investigate the allegations, not the writer of the book. Call up those alleged individuals and departments.

The findings should be used to improve systems and administration. Why are we so stupid and subjective?

AnthonyChan: If you really want to investigate the attorney-general's decisions, the government should first start with Mohamed Apandi Ali on his decision not to charge then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak based on the same chart that was used as evidence to find him guilty in the High Court and Court of Appeal. This is so obvious.

After that, we should investigate why attorney-general Idris Harun did not appeal the acquittal of Umno leader Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, the withdrawal of charges against former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman, former spy chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid and many other such cases.

BlueDeer6547: This is a classic case of shooting the messenger. Just pick out any of the allegations and summon the party concerned for an explanation. They should be the target instead of Thomas.

One commendable act of Mahathir was to appoint Thomas and Lim Guan Eng into the establishment.

These two, despite our reservations, had the guts to drain the muddy water in their respective departments and reveal to us the stinking rubbish.

Just imagine without him, the Attorney General’s Chambers would remain in the hands of Apandi.

BlueShark1548: As usual, in Bolehland double standards apply!

We had so many AGs whose actions warrant the RCI (royal commission of inquiry) to be set up. One such instance was where a former AG cleared Najib in the 1MDB scandal.

Another clear case for an RCI to be set up is the current issue which involved the MACC chief who should be given an opportunity to clear his name in an open inquiry.

Thomas did right by refusing to cooperate with the task force. Why not an RCI instead?

A former senior judge has demanded an RCI on allegations made against some members of the judiciary. Why shut out efforts to determine the truth?

Real Truth: Indeed, an RCI at this moment is very pertinent to look into the overall performance of AG's office and its function. The quality of its performance with many high-profile cases and the acquisition of selective persecution need to be examined.

If the RCI’s only focus is to find faults and question the former AG on his decisions, then we may be wasting our time and money. If it is focused to bring a better system or practice, then it may be useful.

Mat Tayar: Well done, Thomas. We support you all the way. Don't give in to these small fries and a nonsensical task force.

This government comprises a bunch of nincompoops who can only form task forces and committees but cannot help the destitute people affected by floods.

Mediator: The police received more than 100 police reports against the book.

They are probably by people who don't understand English, just like most of the crowd in the Kota Bharu stadium when controversial preacher Zakir Naik was speaking during a rally.

Tyrion Lannister: I wonder if the police sat down with those who made the report and asked them two basic questions. 1. Do you read English? 2. Did you read the book at all?

I am sure both answers are ‘no’ as almost all reports are identical.

The Wakandan: I love it when he said that he was not being "judged by his peers" but by a number of juniors. And that's to say the people behind the charade are simpletons.

Thomas shouldn't waste his time dealing with them.

Gabbar Singh: I am surprised that former Sarawak state attorney-general Fong Joo Chung, who heads this investigation team, did not comprehend the constitutional issues at stake with regards to the Office of the Attorney General despite having served in one.

Very Concerned Citizen: Hello Sarawak lawyer, you cannot do anything to Thomas. He is a top lawyer and the best AG Malaysia ever had. I am very sure he knew the legal repercussions when he wrote the book.

If you are so confident, take him to court but you dare not because he will tear you to pieces.

Instead of him, why not take the old white-haired guy in your state who we are told is so corrupted and that he allegedly owns 60 percent of your state.

Is it because he is now hiding behind his current position?

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