A GROUP of four people from various civil society groups cancelled the protest they had planned earlier over Pakatan Harapan’s proposal for Tommy Thomas to be appointed attorney-general. 

This followed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong announcement that he had given his consent on Thomas’ appointment in the early hours this morning. 

Pertubuhan Minda dan Sosial Prihatin member Shafiq Abdullah said the process should have been more transparent and not transpired in such a manner. 

“The royals were supposed to have a meeting today but it was cancelled. 

“Only a few days ago, they had said they disapproved of Thomas but he was appointed earlier today. 

“It clearly shows we are lacking a credible and accountable administration. Let it be the government or the royals,” he told The Malaysian Insight, adding that although there was no protest, they still disapproved of the matter. 

The impasse over Thomas’ assignment had broken this morning with a statement from  the comptroller of the royal household, Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, stating that the king had consented to the appointment. 

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

The king had also consented to the termination of the services of Mohamed Apandi Ali, who had been on leave since May 15, with his duties temporarily taken over by Solicitor-General Engku Nor Faizah Engku Atek.

Apandi congratulated Thomas over his appointment and greeted his successor with well-wishes. 

https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/52520

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had written to the king some three weeks ago to inform the ruler of Thomas as his choice for the A-G’s position.

However, the king had objected and there concerns mounted over the fact that Thomas was non-Malay and non-Muslim, although the Constitution does not stipulate the race and religion of the attorney-general. – June 5, 2018.