A-G SHOULD BE MUSLIM, SAYS UMNO

‘A-G should respect institution of Malay rulers, have full understanding of Islam, syariah laws’

UMNO wants the new attorney-general (A-G) to be a Muslim. The Umno Strategic Communications Unit, in a statement, said this was in line with the aim of developing a good understanding of the religion among Malaysians and the global community, in the context of the nation’s constitutional monarchy system.

“It is important that the A-G is someone who cares about the king and Islam.

“Caring about the king means respecting and upholding the institution of the Malay rulers.

“Caring about Islam means the A-G must be Muslim and has a full understanding of Islam and syariah laws.”

Umno said many legal matters required the A-G’s consent.

“If an A-G candidate does not understand, respect and uphold the interests of the institution of the Malay rulers, he will not appreciate its principles and may approve actions that reduce the people’s confidence in the royal institution.

“On syariah law, the wisdom of the A-G (through the A-G’s Chambers’ Syariah Unit) is vital in ensuring that decisions on administration and syariah laws are carried out effectively and diplomatically.”

Umno said this was important as the decisions could involve the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay rulers, who were heads of Islam.

Umno emphasised that it was important not to rush the appointment of the A-G as Malaysia was a multiracial nation.