EC chairman denies discussing Rafizi's case with AG

PETALING JAYA: Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun (pic) says that he did not discuss Rafizi Ramli's case with Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas.

"I wish to put on record that I had not discussed Rafizi's case or appeal with Thomas or any officer from the Attorney General's Chambers that led Thomas to decide to withdraw the said appeal and institute disciplinary proceedings against any of his officers or to in any way influence Thomas in his decision-making process," he said in a statement Sunday (Dec 8).

Azhar pointed out that it was unlikely that he had discussed the case as on that day, he was rushing home to attend to his two children who had been diagnosed with dengue, adding that he was arranging for their admission to a private hospital from about 7.30pm to 1am.

He also clarified that the only discussion he had with Thomas recently was Tian Chua's case as the EC was a party to it and had a direct interest.

"I had, in my official capacity, sought advice from Thomas on whether or not to file an appeal against the decision of the High Court in that case," he said.

Azhar added that he has been a staunch advocate of the doctrine of separation of powers and had always been conscious of the purviews and jurisdictions of the various institutions and agencies of governance.

"The 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," he said.

On Friday (Dec 6), Thomas told The Edge that he was shocked at the decision to appeal as it was made without his knowledge.

He had also claimed that this was decided after a discussion he had with Azhar that the AGC would not be appealing.

The High Court in Shah Alam had on Nov 15 acquitted and discharged Rafizi after overturning his conviction last year of revealing bank accounts related to NFC, its subsidiary companies and its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail.

In February last year, just before the 14th General Election, Rafizi and former bank clerk Johari Mohamad were sentenced to 30 months' jail by the Shah Alam Sessions Court for flouting the Banking and Financial Institutions Act.