KING GIVES CONSENT TO THOMAS AS A-G

‘Appointment will continue to preserve special rights of Malays, Bumiputera’

YANG di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has given his consent to the appointment of Tommy Thomas as the new attorney-general.

Istana Negara comptroller Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the king had, on the advice of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, given his consent to the appointment according to Article 145(1) of the Federal Constitution.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also called on Malaysians to accept that the appointment of the attorney-general should not create religious or racial conflict as every Malaysian should be fairly treated regardless of race and religion,” he said.

In a statement dated June 4 and issued by Istana Negara early yesterday morning, Wan Ahmad Dahlan said the appointment would continue to preserve the special rights and privileges of the Malays and Bumiputeras, as well as the status of Islam as the the federal religion.

“After taking into account the opinions of the Malay rulers on the appointment of attorneygeneral, the rights of Bumiputeras and the roles of the Conference of Rulers as stated under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also consented to Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali’s termination of service as attorney-general by the Federal Government.”

Wan Ahmad Dahlan said Sultan Muhammad V had expressed his disappointment and worry about inaccurate and negative media reports of late, which could threaten the country’s peace and harmony.

“His Majesty said he has an obligation to uphold the Federal Constitution and preserve the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras, as well as to protect Islam.”

Dr Mahathir had proposed to nominate lawyer Tommy Thomas as Attorney-General to replace Tan Sri Apandi Ali.