Govt to set up RCI to investigate Tommy Thomas’ book

SHAH ALAM - The government has agreed to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to holistically examine the allegations in former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas' book “My Story: Justice in the Wilderness”.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the establishment of the RCI was in line with the Commission of Inquiry Act 1950 which was under the jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“On Jan 11, 2023, the Special Investigation Task Force’s report on the allegations in the book was presented in the Cabinet meeting.

“After examining the recommendations proposed by the task force chaired by Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung, Cabinet Ministers have agreed among others on the suggestion to set up the RCI to examine the matter holistically.

“The government is serious regarding the allegations involving the violation of professional responsibilities of the top position. Transparency and accountability are the basis of the people’s trust in the administration of justice and government institutions.

“The proposed RCI terms of reference will have a wider scope and not limited to the recommendations submitted by the special task force,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.

Azalina said the purpose of RCI was to find out the truth as well as presenting recommendations to the government for the reform of the country’s legal institutions rather than to find the faults of any particular party.

She said the detailed terms of accreditation, membership and duration of the RCI will be proposed later by the government.