EC Chairman denies discussing with AG Tommy Thomas on Rafizi’s case

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 – Election Commission Chariman, Azhar Azizan Harun has denied discussing Rafizi’s case with Attorney General Tommy Thomas as reported recently.

In a statement today, Azhar referred to the news report by the Edge entitled “AG says appeal against Rafizi’s acquittal done without his knowledge” dated 6^th December at 8.56 pm. 

The report has also been requoted by numerous news portals and newspapers.

The said report quoted Tan Sri Tommy Thomas as saying:

“I am shocked as it was decided after a discussion I had with the Election Commission chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun that we will not be appealing and the decision was conveyed to the relevant officers.”

“I wish to put on record that I had not discussed the Rafizi’s case or appeal with Tan Sri Tommy Thomas or any officer from the Attorney General Chambers that led Tan Sri Tommy Thomas to decide to withdraw the said appeal and institute disciplinary proceedings against any of his officer or to in any way influence Tan Sri Tommy Thomas in his decision-making process.” Azhar said in the statement.

Azhar also stated that it would not have been possible for him to do so, as at the relevant time on 6^th December 2019, he was rushing home to attend to his two children who were diagnosed of dengue. He was at a private hospital arranging their admission from approximately 7.30 pm that day till about 1 am the next morning.

Tommy probably confused another discussion with Azhar?

“The only case that I had discussed with Tan Sri Tommy Thomas in recent time was the Tian Chua case, where the Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya was a party thereto and therefore had a direct interest in the case.

“I had, in my official capacity, sought advice from Tan Sri Tommy Thomas on whether or not to file an appeal against the decision of the High Court in that case.” Azhar said further.

Azhar Harun a staunch advocate of separation of powers 

“I have been a staunch advocate of the doctrine of separation of powers and am always conscious of the purviews and jurisdictions of the various institutions and agencies of governance.

“Record will show that I am a stickler to this doctrine and I wish to assure the public that I will not interfere or meddle with the affairs of any institution and agency of governance to which I am not related, let alone partake in their decision making.” the EC Chairman stressed in his statement.

AG in hot soup over control of his own chamber

Recent appeal made by the Attorney General Chamber against court decision on Rafizi Ramli’s BAFIA case had raised questions on whether Thomas has control of his own office.

NMT had written previously questioning Thomas’ control of the AGC.

https://newmalaysiatimes.com/2018/08/25/agc-and-judiciary-still-controlled-by-najib/

https://newmalaysiatimes.com/2018/12/13/najibs-kangaroo-court-must-be-investigated/

https://newmalaysiatimes.com/2018/09/18/tommy-thomas-quit-report-absolutely-untrue/