: Lawyer Syazlin Mansor was in a conflict of interest position as she represented the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Fire and Rescue Department and family of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim in the inquest into the latter’s death, said Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.
“Syazlin accepted the appointment to represent the Housing Ministry and the Fire Department in the inquest proceedings when she was appointed to act on behalf of the estate of the deceased .Thomas explained firstly, the Housing Ministry and the Fire Department, like all other ministries and government departments, were required to seek legal advice from Attorney-General’s Chambers with external counsel being appointed by the AG or Public Prosecutor.
“Fourthly, Syazlin’s husband is employed as the Press Secretary to the Housing Minister. It is for these reasons that I requested the Housing Minister to immediately revoke her appointment from further representing the Ministry and the Fire Department,“ he said. “DPP Faten requested Syazlin to continue to represent the deceased’s family so that the inquest proceedings could proceed and Prof Dr Shahrom Abd Wahid could be called to further testify. Syazlin was, however, firm on her decision to withdraw.