Latest news with #TommyThomas
Malaysiakini
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Tariff-wise, Trump holds the upper hand
YOURSAY | How to fight a strong man wielding a big sword using just a pen knife? COMMENT | Malaysia's pusillanimous foreign policy Koel: A thoughtful and timely article by former attorney-general Tommy Thomas. Handing over US$70 billion when Malaysia's total investments held in the US are US$43 billion? This is madness! Does Malaysia have a coherent foreign policy in these troubled times? We hardly see or hear from Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan. It is time to go back to the spirit of the non-aligned movement, and time to actively seek alternative trade partners. The world is seeing the fallout of putting all your eggs in one basket. All you need is one madman to destroy everything. As we see right now, there is no stability to this White House administration. How much of what's happening is about helping that country? How much is the self-interest and greed of a businessperson in the highest office of that country? Nobody seems clear. Not even his aides. In such uncharted territories, smiles and flattery are not going to get us very far. People also need to look at who suffers the worst in these 'tariff wars'. There is a white, supremacist, and racist element to these trade wars that hints at a neocolonial stance. Some of the worst hit are the countries of the Global South, and that is by design. In case your history is weak, what did the colonisers do? Impoverish, extract, and dominate. Of course, in most cases, they will find local collaborators, lackeys to help them in this pursuit. We are probably seeing the first part of this strategy of impoverishing some of the poorest countries in the world. To what end? In case anyone missed it, local media ran an article that highlighted a case in Vietnam of a land grab that might hint at what is also at play with US President Donald Trump's administration. Land used for farming in North Vietnam was suddenly taken away and given to the Trumps for them to build golf resorts. Thousands of Vietnamese farmers were suddenly asked to move out with pitiful amounts of compensation that are hardly sustainable. All part of the tariff talks. Of course, the Vietnamese leaders who struck this deal are not personally affected, and the move will be framed as 'boosting the economy', but at what cost to the Vietnamese farmers? Such is the danger when governments fail to stand up to foreign bullies. Time to think strategically and open our markets to friendly, just, and mature nations and governments. Malaysia's interests, independence, and sovereignty must be safeguarded. The government should not reduce us to the status of a vassal state. Do we have any pundits at the moment to help this government steer through these trade wars? We cannot afford to send children to negotiate with the sharks! For a Better World: Thomas has done his research meticulously by quoting a vast array of published material. But his liberal, anti-Trump ideology can be difficult to observe or distinguish, but it pervades his discussion and analysis. Why blame the world's problems and ills on the US and its present leader, Trump? He won the national popular vote with 49.8 percent while his rival secured 48.3 percent. Respect it, but if Trump transgresses his country's Constitution or laws, he can be sacked/impeached by US Congress members. I agree that the US is a superpower, but so is Russia and, to some extent, China and the European Union. The way Thomas articulates it, it looks like it's Trump's fault for every conceivable bad and controversial issue that arises in human society on this Earth. Do Trump and his ruling elite have such unimaginable power? GP2025: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has always been all talk and namby-pamby in actions. He hides behind 'international diplomacy' so that he need not be tough. He is useless, and the majority know it and want him out of government. Unfortunately, the minorities, whom he has taken for a ride and who don't want to face it, still support him. Anwar is expected to do his job. No amount of criticism is going to help him perform. That's asking too much of someone who can't deliver. The best thing to do now is to support Perikatan Nasional's initiative to remove him from government. HOYOHOYO: Tommy, it's easy to write as a lawyer. Facing the drastic consequences is another thing. Anwar is wise in his response to Trump. A 19 percent tariff on all US-imported goods will lead to exorbitant tariffs on our exports. He had repeatedly warned against retaliation. High tariffs will obliterate the entire exporting industry overnight. The wisdom of inviting Trump to visit Kuala Lumpur is to massage his ego. How to fight a strong man wielding a big sword using just a pen knife? Anwar chooses reality to avoid the consequences that you are not facing in the comfort of your office. Scoop: Slap a 19 percent tariff on US goods? What happens to the tariff on Malaysia? Ask Canada, India, and China. Trump doubled the tariffs on those who imposed reciprocal/retaliatory tariffs. What would happen if Malaysia's tariff rate ended up close to double that of Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia? Almost three times higher than Japan and South Korea? Tommy is a corporate law specialist, not an international trade specialist or economist. Oh, and the piece is way too complimentary of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's foreign policy. Hmmmmmmmm: Tommy, I find your views too simplistic. Regarding our response to US tariffs, it looks like a case of 'damned if I do and damned if I don't'. The problem in this country is that we do not choose the best brains to lead us. If we have the best advisors, then we can be confident that the decisions made by the government are for the best. As it is, we will always wonder if we made the right decisions. I also wonder what the point is with trading with the US if we do not ultimately make a profit. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Free Malaysia Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Over 400 Bar members gather for judicial independence walk
Rally participants at the Palace of Justice, preparing to proceed to the Prime Minister's Office. PUTRAJAYA : Over 400 members of the Malaysian Bar gathered outside the Palace of Justice this afternoon for a symbolic march to defend the integrity of the judiciary. Dressed in black suits and white shirts, the lawyers held up placards and chanted slogans before commencing their walk to the Prime Minister's Office at 2.30pm. Notable figures spotted at the rally included former Bar presidents Ambiga Sreenevasan and Karen Cheah, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, former attorney-general Tommy Thomas and former Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim. The rally was organised following the Bar's call for the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry into alleged interference in judicial appointments, which the legal body says poses a serious threat to the doctrine of separation of powers and the rule of law. Participants began assembling at 2pm, preparing to proceed to the Prime Minister's Office where they are expected to hand over a memorandum outlining their concerns and demands. The memorandum's four demands include having judicial leadership positions filled by judges of integrity with proven track records of quality and clear judgments; and having multiple vacancies in the judiciary filled up quickly to prevent delays to the hearing of court cases. The Judicial Appointments Commission has listed 31 vacancies which have yet to be filled, including the posts vacated by former chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and former Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, both of whom retired earlier this month. Besides the top two posts, the Federal Court has two vacancies for judges while the Court of Appeal has three and the High Court, 24.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawyers march in the hundreds for judicial independence in Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA, July 14 — Approximately 400 lawyers marched from the Palace of Justice (PoJ) to the Prime Minister's Office complex here today in a demonstration aimed at defending the independence of the judiciary. Organised by the Malaysian Bar, the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' was held amid rising concerns over the state of the judiciary, prolonged vacancies in its senior-most leadership, and the urgent need for institutional reforms. At 2:30 pm, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab led the procession from the PoJ down Persiaran Perdana towards the group's final destination at Putra Square. Throughout the walk, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel facilitated the march by redirecting traffic and ensuring the safety of participants. Notable figures in attendance included former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim, and PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, alongside other prominent lawyers. A person holds up a protest sign during the the Malaysian Bar's 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Several past Malaysian Bar presidents, including Karen Cheah, Steven Thiru, Christopher Leong, and Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, were also present in a show of solidarity. Upon the group's arrival at Putra Square, Mohamad Ezri led a smaller entourage to deliver a memorandum at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) at approximately 3.20pm. The memorandum was received by Datuk Zamri Misman, director-general of the Prime Minister's Department (Legal Affairs Division), on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Malaysian Bar had previously outlined four key points in its memorandum, including a renewed call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be established to probe any alleged interference with the judiciary. The Bar also demanded that top leadership positions in the judiciary be filled as soon as possible by judges who command respect from their peers, lawyers, and the public. It highlighted that these vacancies have resulted in some court cases being scheduled for hearing as late as 2030. The organisation of the peaceful walk was mandated by both the Malaysian Bar's statutory duties and a resolution passed at its 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 15, which gave the Bar Council a mandate to take public action to defend judicial independence. Lawyers march during the the Malaysian Bar's 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin 'Resolve it as soon as possible' Following the delivery, Mohamad Ezri said he was pleased with the turnout, which included members of the public alongside Malaysian Bar members. 'We have seen a lot of talk on social media, media statements that could jeopardise the independence of the judiciary, and we would like that settled,' he said. 'We are asking the government to resolve it as soon as possible; we are not giving them any timeline,' he added. Later, Malaysian Bar vice-president Anand Raj told Malay Mail the Bar was pleased with the overwhelming support from its members and pupils from all over Malaysia, resulting in a turnout of some 1,600 people. The crowd dispersed peacefully around 3.45pm, shortly after the memorandum was delivered, with no incidents reported. Lawyers hold up banners during the the Malaysian Bar's 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' in Putrajaya on July 14, 2025. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin Recommended read: Why Malaysia's lawyers march in sun or rain, and what to expect today
Malay Mail
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Lawyers march in the hundreds for judicial independence in Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA, July 14 — Around 400 lawyers marched from the Palace of Justice (PoJ) to the Prime Minister's Office complex here today, in a gathering aimed at defending the independence of the judiciary. Organised by the Malaysian Bar, the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' was held amid rising concerns over the state of the judiciary, prolonged vacancies in its seniormost leadership, and to call for urgent institutional reforms. At 2:30pm, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab led the procession from the PoJ down Persiaran Perdana towards the group's final destination at Putra Square, near the Prime Minister's Office, where they intended to hand over a memorandum. Notable figures in attendance included former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, alongside other prominent lawyers. Several past Malaysian Bar presidents, including Karen Cheah and Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, were also present. The Malaysian Bar had previously outlined four key points for the memorandum, including a renewed call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be established to probe any alleged interference with the judiciary. The Bar also demanded that leadership positions in the judiciary be filled as soon as possible by judges who command respect from their peers, lawyers, and the public. It highlighted that these vacancies have resulted in some court cases being scheduled for hearing as late as 2030. The organisation of the peaceful walk was mandated by both the Malaysian Bar's statutory duties and a resolution passed at its 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 15. In that resolution, Malaysian Bar members gave the Bar Council a mandate to take public action — such as issuing statements, submitting memorandums, or initiating legal challenges — to defend judicial independence. MORE TO COME
Malay Mail
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Court of Appeal grants Tommy Thomas' bid to recuse High Court judge in Shahrir's malicious prosecution suit
PUTRAJAYA, July 4 — The Court of Appeal today allowed the appeal by former attorney-general (AG) Tan Sri Tommy Thomas to recuse a High Court judge from presiding over Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad's malicious prosecution suit against him. A three-member bench comprising Justices Datuk Supang Lian, Datuk Faizah Jamaludin and Datuk Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin set aside the High Court's decision. In January, the High Court judge, Roz Mawar Rozain, dismissed Thomas's application to recuse her from hearing the case. In today's proceeding, Justice Faizah, who delivered the court's unanimous decision, said there was a real danger of bias on the part of the High Court judge if she continues to hear the case, although it may be unintentional. 'The learned High Court judge is to be recused from hearing all future proceedings and the trial in the civil suit,' she said. Justice Faizah said the High Court judge's findings and observations during her ruling on Thomas's striking-out application revealed her views on the merits of Shahril's case against Thomas. 'As an informed and fair-minded bystander, given the facts and circumstances of the case, we perceive that these findings and observations do give rise to a risk of real danger of bias by the learned judge,' she said. The court ordered a legal cost of RM30,000 to be awarded to Thomas for proceedings in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. In July last year, Roz Mawar rejected Thomas' application to strike out Shahrir's lawsuit and ordered the case to go for a full hearing. Shahrir had filed the suit against Thomas, former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Latheefa Koya, the MACC and the Malaysian Government. The former Johor Bahru Member of Parliament's lawsuit concerns a RM1 million cheque he received from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for restoration work on the Puri Langkasuka housing project in Larkin, Johor. Thomas, who served as AG from June 2018 to February 2020, refuted Shahrir's allegations of abuse of power, describing them as 'unsustainable'. Thomas further explained that he resigned on February 28, 2020, and that Shahrir's criminal trial for the charges began on July 26, 2022. On January 5, 2023, High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin acquitted Shahrir on the charge of failing to declare the RM1 million income received from Najib to the Inland Revenue Board. — Bernama
