No conflict of interest: Thomas

> AG defends appointment of lawyer from former firm to handle ‘Equanimity’ case

PETALING JAYA: Attorney-General Tommy Thomas has defended the appointment of a lawyer from his former law firm to handle the Equanimity case in court.

In a statement yesterday, he said Sitpah Selvaratnam ( pix) is one of Malaysia’s best leading shipping lawyers who has also served as the Bar Council’s Shipping and Admiralty Law Committee chairman.

“It must be kept in mind that these legal proceedings (regarding the Equanimity) are brought for the benefit of Malaysia. Accordingly, we are entitled to Malaysia’s best shipping lawyers.

“There is no question of conflict of interest because we are all on the same side. It is neither right nor sensible for Malaysia to be deprived of the services of Selvaratnam merely because I was in the firm where she has been a consultant for the past eight years.

“The decision to appoint Selvaratnam was mine, and mine alone, because I have trust and confidence in her ability and integrity.

“The real test of Selvaratnam’s experience and not expertise would come into play, if and when, Jho Low (Low Taek Jho) or any other party applies to set aside the warrant of arrest. The argument would then be vigorously put forward by all sides when the court hears the matter on its merits, and it is critical that Malaysia has the best barristers.

“Litigation is dynamic: unpredictable events occur in court, and Malaysia’s case must be in safe hands,” he said.

He added that Selvaratnam is not being paid any fees.

He was responding to Umno Youth young lawyers’ secretariat Nik Saiful Adli Burhan who questioned the reasons behind the appointment.

The yacht, reportedly worth RM1 billion, arrived at the Boustead Cruise Centre terminal in Port Klang on Tuesday.

It is believed to be part of the assets purchased using funds from 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Its purported owner, businessman Jho Low, is also being sought to assist in the investigation into 1MDB.

Indonesia had agreed to hand over the yacht to Malaysia following a personal request by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.