Resistance from Muslim groups
‘Thomas unqualified to assist King in preserving sanctity of Islam’
Pakatan Harapan’s proposal to have Tommy Thomas as the Attorney General (AG) has met with some resistance from Muslim interest groups.
Institute of Islamic Strategic Research Malaysia ( Iksim) chief executive officer Prof Datuk Mahamad Naser Disa described the proposed appointment as unconstitutional.
“A nonMuslim would not be able to assist the Yang diPertuan Agong in preserving the sanctity of Islam at all times and therefore breaches Article 145(2) of the Federal Consti tution which states that it is the duty of the AG to advise the King or Cabinet on any legal matter,” Mahamad Naser said in a statement yesterday.
He said the AG’s post should be held by a judge or senior lawyer who is wellversed in Islamic and royal matters, not just in principles of law and democracy.
He said Thomas’ appointment as the AG could also hamper the Government’s efforts to introduce new laws and policies that touch on Islamic matters.
“The people may be very alarmed if he becomes the new AG as he once represented Parti Komunis Malaya leader Chin Peng in calling for the government to allow his body to be buried in Sitiawan, Perak,” he added.
Mahamad Naser said a conflict of interest is also bound to happen should Thomas be the AG as he (Thomas) is representing Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in his corruption cases.
“The power to proceed or throw away the case is at the discretion of the AG. Thomas’ credibility will be questioned should he side with his former client,” he said.
Malaysian Consultative Council of Islam Organisations president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the post of AG was a crucial one usually held by a Muslim.
“We are of the view that there is no reason for the Government to change this status as the AG is important in overseeing the development of both civil and syariah laws in the country,” he added.
Mohd Azmi also noted that Thomas’ command of Bahasa Malaysia was lacking and that made him less qualified for the post.