De facto Law Minister Nancy Shukri has finally revealed in Parliament today that senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee was paid RM1,000 to serve as lead prosecutor in opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s Sodomy II trial.
Back in November 2013, my colleague YB Er Teck Hwa, MP for Bakri, has asked about the legal fee paid to Shafee and during the debate winding up on November 11, Nancy answered that “the amount of payment cannot be disclosed in view of professional ethics and client-counsel confidentiality”.
I have then pointed out that Nancy Shukir had misunderstood the concept of client-counsel confidentiality as such professional ethics only stop a lawyer from revealing information which can be detrimental to the client but never prohibit the client from revealing the legal costs.
In 2011, the then de facto Law Minister Nazri had no problem to reveal to me that the government had paid RM150,000 to Shafee for representing MACC in the Teoh Beng Hock Royal Commission.
I am glad that Nancy Shukri has finally rectified her mistake though it was late by more than a year. But, she should not stop there, she should also apologize to the Parliament for giving wrong answer back in 2013 if she is a minister with dignity.
Now we know Shafee was paid RM1000 to serve as lead prosecutor. However, is that all? Because if that was the whole deal, why would Nancy have any difficulties to reveal the figure back in 2013? There are rumors that Shafee will soon replace Abdul Gani Patail as Attorney General, Nancy should confirm if the speculation is true and if it is, whether the appointment is also part of the “reward” for Shafee to participate in Anwar’s Sodomy II Trial?