Tommy Thomas denies receiving bribe to reduce charges on tycoon’s son

PETALING JAYA: Tommy Thomas has denied allegations that he received a bribe to reduce charges on a tycoon’s son during his time as attorney general.

The lawyer denied allegations on the Edisi Khas Twitter account, which claimed he had dropped criminal charges against prominent businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s son and that corruption was involved.

In a letter sent to The Vibes on Saturday (Feb 19), Thomas said the tycoon’s son had been arrested and charged with drug-related offences.

He added that lawyers for the accused submitted written representations to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to reconsider the decision to charge.

“These letters were brought to my attention, for my decision.

“Having studied the representations and the investigation papers (IP), reviewing the relevant legal provisions and discussion with the case officers (all deputy public prosecutors), I recall reducing the charges,” he said.

He said receiving representations from lawyers and accused as well as reducing or dropping charges thereafter were common occurrences in the AGC.

“I have no access to any documents, records or files maintained by those who prepared the IP.

“Accordingly, I cannot provide any further details of the case,” he said.

Thomas said he had never paid a bribe nor received one throughout his professional career and personal life.

He added that he did not know Tan prior to his appointment as AG.

“During my professional career, I never acted for him or the numerous companies he has built.

“I have been back in the Bar for some one and a half years, and have still not represented Tan Sri or his businesses,” he said.

Thomas also claimed he was “an easy target and a convenient digression” from the 1MDB-linked Roger Ng trial in New York, involving fraudulent use of monies belonging to Malaysia.