©Bernama
(Used by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) –– Royal Commission of Inquiry Chairman Tan Sri
Haidar Mohamed Noor lost his patience with lawyer Wee Choo Keong today when the
latter insisted on making his submission even though he was ordered to hold on
until another day indicated by the commission.
Wee, representing Thirunama Karasu, the younger brother of lawyer Datuk V.K.
Lingam who allegedly brokered the appointment of judges in a controversial video
clip, was seen refusing to budge although he was ordered by the commission not
to submit on the relevancy of a New Zealand trip by Lingam and former Chief
Justice Tun Eusoff Chin.
Raising his voice, Haidar told Wee: "Look here, we (the commission) make a
ruling, you give your submission, then we (the commission) would read and decide
the relevant issue that you (Wee) could submit on."
Commissioner Datuk Mahadev Shankar added: "I want to sound a note of caution.
There are some facts and allegations which were covered in the documents (Wee's
written submission) you gave. The commission would determine how much of that is
going to be allowed, whether there was a limit and where the limit should go.
"And, if you are going to repeat your material here, including the allegations,
we may decide not to admit. There were colourful allegations," Mahadev said.
However, Wee remained standing, attempting to persuade the commission to hear
out his submission.
There was an exchange of words between Wee and Mahadev which prompted Haidar to
make his stand not to allow Wee to submit further.
Despite the order, Wee refused to sit down and tried to make his submission.
Commissioner Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong told Wee: "We have read your
statement. We felt not all the evidence should be in. We would make the ruling
later on. I will indicate to you the few relevant parts in your submission and
you can make your submission on that. Other than that you are not allowed to
touch. You can submit later after we indicate to you the admissible part."
But Wee persisted on submitting.
Haidar, raising his voice, told Wee not to argue but to sit down since the
commission had already indicated to him that it would take a look at his written
submission.
"Did you get it clear. Don't argue. Please listen to me. (In a raised voice) Can
you please sit down. I said sit down. We will give you our opinion on your
submission. Give us (time) to go through first. If we feel your points are
relevant, we would invite you to submit, so please sit down," said Haidar.
Wee replied: "(You) don't have to shout." He then sat down on the lawyer's
bench.
Commissioner Haidar loses patience with counsel
22 Jan 2008 12:00 am