Royal Commission on Lingam video clip: Adnan, Tan 'had direct influence' - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Former deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan had direct influence in the appointment and promotion of judges.

This was the explosive observation made in the report by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip.

The commission also doubted the evidence given by the two in the inquiry as they had made bare denials to penetrating questions posed by lawyers who appeared for interested parties.

The findings of the commission were in direct contrast to Adnan's testimony: "I had nothing to do with the appointment of judges."

Tan had also testified that he had no links to the judicial appointments.

The NST learned the report also noted that lawyer Datuk V.K. Lingam had mentioned Adnan's name 11 times in the 14-minute clip and that the lawyer was speaking to former chief justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/2241955/Article/index_html]