AG: Vinayak Pradhan appointed acting director of Asian International Arbitration Centre

PETALING JAYA: Vinayak Pradhan (pic) has been appointed the acting director of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) following the resignation of Datuk Prof Dr Sundra Rajoo. 

In a statement on Wednesday (Nov 21), Attorney General Tommy Thomas said he has known Vinayak for decades and can vouch for his integrity and will enhance the standing of the AIAC in the domestic and international arena.

"I am confident he will lead AIAC to lofty heights," he said. 

He said Vinayak, who was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1974 after earning his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Singapore, is recognised worldwide for his experience in the arbitration field. 

He also thanked Prof Sundra for leading the AIAC for the past nine years. 

Prof Sundra resigned from his post as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigates him for alleged corrupt practices.

His lawyer, Philip Koh, earlier told The Malaysian Insight that Prof Sundra did so to protect the institution's good name. 

The alleged corrupt practices came to light after the MACC received an anonymous letter that claimed that Prof Sundra had used government funds to obtain favours from past and present ministers to extend his contract. 

It is learned that the letter was also addressed to other top government officials including Attorney General Tommy Thomas, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Malaysian Bar president George Varughese. 

The portal also reported that MACC had applied for Prof Sundra to be remanded for seven days but the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court rejected this he was a senior officer protected under the International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1992.

Prof Sundra was released without any condition.