Bar president slammed by five predecessors for ‘hollow’ statement on Riza Aziz’s discharge
Tuesday, 19 May 2020 05:25 PM MYTReferring to Malaysian Bar Salim Bashir’s statement , the lawyers said that it provided no insight into whether or not the exercise of discretion in this instance has met the required standard. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
“The Malaysian Bar should not make media statements when it has nothing useful to contribute; or when it is unwilling to take a clear and principled stand,” they said in a statement. “If he is of the view that the discretion has not been correctly exercised, he should similarly state his stand unequivocally and supported with valid reasons. If the Bar president feels that the available information is not yet adequate to enable him to form a reasoned opinion then he should either have restrained himself from speaking, or else explained what additional information may be required before the Bar could come to a reasoned assessment,” they said.
“These include whether it is right, and in the public interest, to withdraw serious charges just because partial reparation is promised or agreed upon post-felony, and whether all accused in a similar position will be treated likewise. if not then how will this exercise of discretion bring disrepute to justice, equality and fairness,” they said.
“The public also wants to know whether it is usual or abnormal for a discharge not amounting to acquittal to be requested and granted, ‘subject to terms and conditions’ yet to be fulfilled by the accused. Is that correct in law? Should the public prosecutor just take the word of such an accused on his honour?” they asked.
“To many Malaysians, the recent exercise of prosecutorial discretion in the case of Riza Aziz is demonstrably wrong, and is against the public interest. Most understand that a serious crime remains punishable, even if the offender makes full reparation, let alone partial reparation,” they said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Five ex-chiefs slam Bar Council's 'uncharacteristic' Riza statementThey say the Bar president sweeps pressing issues under the carpet which is inconsistent with the Bar's leadership.
Read more »
Lawyers lambast Bar president for empty statement on Riza Aziz case | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — A group of prominent lawyers has criticised the president of the Malaysian Bar for making an unclear statement on the recent deal to drop money-laundering charges against film producer Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz. The lawyers, including J. Armadas, Ng Kong Peng and former Bar...
Read more »
Enough evidence to convict Riza, says Thomas | The Malaysian InsightDocumentary trail substantial, highly credible in money-laundering case against Wolf of Wall St producer.
Read more »
Saya tidak akan setuju perjanjian Riza, kata Tommy Thomas | The Malaysian InsightBekas peguam negara berkata, tindakan meluluskannya akan menjejaskan kredibiliti beliau di mata rakyat.
Read more »
Tommy Thomas bidas perjanjian beri kelebihan pada Riza | The Malaysian InsightAnak tiri Najib Razak hanya mengembalikan wang yang disita oleh DoJ melalui satu perjanjian yang 'teruk'.
Read more »
Thomas slams ‘sweetheart deal for Riza’ | The Malaysian InsightNajib Razak’s stepson not returning fresh funds to nation, just assets seized by DoJ in ‘terrible’ deal.
Read more »