SOCIAL media users have welcomed the appointment of Richard Malanjum as chief justice despite the criticism of various parties on the issue.

They agreed with the Pakatan Harapan government’s decision, as long as the appointment was based on the individual’s integrity and was made for the country’s future.

They also drew comparisons with leaders who were in office during the former government administration, whom they said caused the country to suffer huge monetary losses.

Facebook user Ayan Pian said it was “important to have high integrity… not like the former PM. All the people’s money was lost”.

Previously, PAS information chief Nasrudin Hassan questioned PH’s rationale in appointing a non-Muslim to hold the highest position in government-related legislation.

However, other social media users also said it should not be an issue, as there were many more issues of concern to Malaysians.

Facebook user Aswandi Andi said: “There is nothing to worry about. What is worrying is that many Malays cannot afford to buy houses in Malaysia. Many graduates are unemployed due to the lack of English proficiency. The Malays are also still weak in financial management. Yet, the Malays blindly support a corrupt leader.”

Gregory Chang (@greg67_chang) tweeted “This is all about ‘not being one of their kind’. To those who tread the lonely path of racism and religious discrimination.”

A Twitter user with the handle @slothwalker said that “the criticism surrounding the appointment of Richard Malanjum goes to show that as long as you’re not Muslim in this country, you’ll never be good enough in the eyes of the public”.

Malanjum is the third non-Muslim appointed to Putrajaya, after Attorney-General Tommy Thomas and lawmaker Liew Vui Keong of Parti Warisan Sabah as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

However, some social media users were unhappy with Malanjum’s appointment.

Muhammad Najib (@Muhamma92804989) tweeted: “Hakim kafir Richard Malanjum yang setuju masa kes Lina Joy… nazak Melayu mudah lupa” (It was the infidel judge Richard Malajum that assented in Lina Joy’s case… Malays will suffer as they are easy to forget).

Tun Faisal (@tunfaisal) tweeted: “Tahniah umat Islam yang undi Pakatan. Anda ada saham di akhirat kerana tak cerdik.” (Congratulations to the Muslims that voted Pakatan. You will get your due in the hereafter for not being smart). – July 13, 2018.