Thomas: Syazlin withdrew due to conflict of interest
PUTRAJAYA: Attorney General Tommy Thomas clarified that the withdrawal of lawyer Syazlin Mansor who represented the Housing and Local Government Ministry and the Fire Department from the ongoing Adib death inquest was due to several factors, with the primary factor being conflict of interest involving Syazlin.
Thomas pointed out that Syazlin was representing both the ministry, Fire Department and the family of Muhammad Adib and should have turned down the appointment to represent the ministry and the fire department.
“Syazlin was also in a conflict of interest position as she agreed to represent the ministry and fire department while representing Adib’s family who has a direct interest in this case,” said Thomas.
“The interest of the parties concerned may contradict and it is unacceptable for her to represent all three parties,” he added.
The second conflict of interest reason that Thomas said was the fact that Syazlin’s husband is Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin’s press secretary Ahmad Soffian Mohd Shariff.
He further said that both the ministry and department should have obtained legal advice from the Attorney General Chambers so that external lawyers are appointed by Attorney General or Public Prosecutor.
Thomas further said that his officers who are aiding the coroner in the inquest informed him that Syazlin took stands contrary to the deputy public prosecutor.
“This embarrasses her in her capacity as the ministry’s lawyer,” he said.
Yesterday Syazlin told the court that she is quitting from the inquest and this would make Professor Dr Shahrom Wahid’s testimony unnecessary.
Thomas who was shocked with Syazlin’s decision added that she had done so on her own free will without being pressured by the AGC.
He also clarified that Sharom’s role in the inquest is not affected by Syazlin’s withdrawal since Deputy Public Prosecutor Fatin Hadni Khairuddin can and will issue a subpoena for Sharom to testify in the inquest.
