Idrus: I don’t doubt their abilities

In wake of Thomas’ book, AG tells staff he has utmost confidence in them

PETALING JAYA: Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun says he does not doubt the abilities, commitment, and dedication of his colleagues in carrying out their tasks without fear or favour.

He said that his predecessor Tan Sri Tommy Thomas’ recently-released book My Story: Justice in the Wilderness had elicited reactions from many parties that questioned the competency and trustworthiness of legal officers in the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

“The book has had a negative impact on outsiders and has affected the morale and spirit of the lawyers.

“I believe that the book is an insult to the institution of law,” he said yesterday in an internal letter to AGC staff.

Idrus added that before becoming the AG, he had worked in the legal services and judiciary for 35 years, which includes holding the post of Solicitor-General before being appointed a Court of Appeal judge in 2014.

“As such I don’t have any doubts about the abilities, knowledge, commitment, and dedication of the legal officers in conducting their tasks without fear or favour,” he said.

He added that he was proud that the AGC had won many high-profile cases, which clearly showed the competency of deputy public prosecutors and senior federal counsel.

“This clearly shows the ability of the officers in handling court cases is on par or better than lawyers from the private sector,” he said.

Idrus also said that he was aware that legal officers were working in high-pressure environments that required a lot of sacrifices from them.

“Your commitment and sacrifice are priceless. I would like to stress and assure you that I am not influenced by the book that displays shallow thinking from someone who served for a short stint and does not comprehend the public services institution especially the Attorney General’s Chambers and the role of the Attorney General,” he said.

He added that as the AG, his main role was to advise the King, the Cabinet, or any ministers about the country’s laws to protect the nation’s interest.

He said AGC staff should go about their tasks following the principles of law while being loyal to the Ruler and country.

He assured his staff that he was proud of them as they had good achievements in dealing with the issues and challenges faced by the country in a complex and critical period.

Thomas had made several claims and allegations in his book that have since been refuted by some of those mentioned in the book, and also resulted in police reports lodged against him.