Tycoon did not bribe me to let son off drug charge

Former attorney-general Tommy Thomas has refuted allegations that he was corrupt in handling a criminal case against the son of prominent businessperson Vincent Tan.

The allegation surfaced on the Edisi Khas Twitter account, which alleged that one of Tan's sons was arrested on a drug charge in 2019 but was allegedly let off by Thomas.

In a statement today, Thomas said that after Tan's son was charged, lawyers for the accused had submitted written representation to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).

Receiving written appeals to reconsider a charge was a "common occurrence" at the AGC, according to Thomas.

"These letters were brought to my attention for my decision. Having studied the representations and the investigation papers, reviewing the relevant legal provisions and discussing with the case officers (all DPPs), I recall reducing the charges," he said.

Thomas said as he has no access to any documents and files maintained by those who prepared the investigation papers, he was no longer in a position to provide any further details.

However, he stressed that he had never acted corruptly nor received a bribe from Tan, or anyone else, while he was attorney-general.

He added that he did not know Tan before becoming attorney-general nor represented him or his business interests.

"The timing and vileness of this attack on my integrity are linked with the Roger Ng trial just commenced in New York, involving fraudulent use of monies belonging to Malaysia.

"Our politicians and personalities will be featured when evidence unfolds during this trial, which has received worldwide media coverage. Against this background, I am an easy target and a convenient digression," he said.

It is understood that Tan's son was sentenced on Feb 10, 2020, by a Kuala Lumpur Magistrate. At the time, Malaysiakini had attempted to secure the charge sheet from the deputy public prosecutor, who declined the request.