Dr M defends move to nominate Thomas as A-G
ALOR STAR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended the Pakatan Harapan administration’s move to nominate veteran lawyer Tommy Thomas as the new attorney-general (A-G), which was reportedly snubbed by Istana Negara.
Dr Mahathir said his government had acted within the Constitution in nominating Thomas, as it was in accordance with the government’s role in advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
He said the Federal Government was looking into a solution to the matter, but declined to elaborate.
“I cannot comment further as it is still in progress,” he said after chairing the Kedah PH meeting here yesterday.
On whether the rejection was based on claims that Thomas was a supporter of a “secular movement”, he said Istana Negara’s statement did not mention any such link.
On Thomas’ status as the lawyer for Lim Guan Eng in the latter’s contempt of court case, he said it should not be an issue because as a defence lawyer, it was his right to represent any individual.
It was reported that Dr Mahathir’s move to nominate Thomas as the A-G to replace Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali, was turned down by the king, who had allegedly wanted the candidate to be someone who qualifies to be a judge or is even a retired judge, regardless of race.