KUCHING, June 5: With the appointment of Tommy Thomas as the country’s new attorney-general, a Sarawak leader hopes that justice would prevail for many unresolved high-profile cases, including the cold-blooded murder of Sarawak land rights activist Bill Kayong.
Pakatan Harapan national women’s chief for Sarawak affairs, Voon Shiak Ni, hoped that justice would be upheld in order to institute reforms in scandal-ridden Malaysia.
Voon, who is also a lawyer, described Thomas as a leading barrister with unchallenged integrity and credibility.
“It (appointment) has sent the most crucial message to the people that the new government is adamant and firm in its promise to the people to reform various institutions in the country.
“Our new government is committed to uphold the highest order of justice and integrity for the people.”
She lamented that many incidents that happened in the past had bothered many Malaysians, leading many to wonder if there was still justice in the country.
Voon said cases such as the many deaths while in police custody, the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, the mysterious death of Teoh Beng Hok and the murder of Bill were still unresolved as the real culprits were still unknown.
Voon, who is also PKR national vice-women chief, also pointed to the unjust imprisonment of PKR de factor leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as another example of justice gone awry.
She believed the appointment of Thomas would help to revive whatever little confidence was left with the people in the management of justice for the people.
Other state leaders such as state PKR chief Baru Bian have also supported Thomas’ appointment, saying that he is an ideal candidate.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, on the advice of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has given his consent to the appointment of Thomas according to Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution.
The king also called on all Malaysians to accept that the appointment of the attorney-general should not create religious or racial conflict as every Malaysian should be fairly treated, regardless of race and religion. — DayakDaily
