Tommy Thomas’ book a clear insult, says his successor
Attorney-General Idrus Harun said his predecessor Tommy Thomas’ new memoir is an insult to the country’s legal institution.
In a letter addressed to members of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, he sought to give encouragement to his colleagues following the publication of the book last Saturday...
Attorney-General Idrus Harun said his predecessor Tommy Thomas’ new memoir is an insult to the country’s legal institution.
In a letter addressed to members of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, he sought to give encouragement to his colleagues following the publication of the book last Saturday.
“The book’s contents have given a negative impact especially in the eyes of outsiders, and this has a direct effect on the morale and spirits of legal officers.
“Apart from that, I am of the view that it is a clear insult to our legal institution that we cherish and respect,” he wrote.
He said after working for nearly 35 years in the Judicial and Legal Service Commission before being appointed as a Court of Appeal judge and finally as attorney-general, he has no doubt of his colleagues’ abilities and commitment in carrying out their duties.
“Moreover, I am proud that since the book was released, this department’s officers have obtained decisions that favour the government in high-profile cases.
“It clearly shows that the abilities and capabilities of legal officers in handling court cases are on par, if not exceeds, that of private lawyers,” he said, urging them to continue their excellent performance.
Idrus assured his chambers that he is not influenced by the book’s contents, which “clearly shows shallow thinking stemming from the brief experience of someone who doesn’t understand public service institutions, especially the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the functions of the attorney-general itself”.
The letter is being circulated through on instant messaging platforms. When contacted, Idrus confirmed to Malaysiakini that the letter is authentic and had been issued to his colleagues.
Thomas’ book was recently published through the publisher Gerakbudaya.
Among others, Thomas had written that lawyers from the Attorney-General’s Chambers lacked the commitment, passions, and drive to succeed found in their counterparts in private practice.
“Public sector lawyers had public service attitudes. They were civil servants, earning a fixed monthly income, and awaiting pensions upon retirement.
“There was no incentive to distinguish themselves,” he said.
Meanwhile, former solicitor-general Mohamad Hanafiah Zakaria had lodged a police report against Thomas over the latter’s remarks against him in the book.
Thomas had said he lacked confidence in Hanafiah whom he said was more comfortable with administrative duties, while Hanafiah accused Thomas of defaming him.
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