Tommy Thomas doesn’t speak fluent BM, shouldn’t be A-G, says Mapim

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 3 Jun 2018 3:48PM · 13 Comments

THE Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim) has objected to the government’s choice of Tommy Thomas as attorney-general, as Bahasa Malaysia is not his first language.

Mapim president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said the attorney-general needed to be fluent in the national language and Thomas was not up to par to hold the top job.

“We also stress that an appointed A-G needs to master Bahasa Melayu on a comprehensible level. Handling legal matters with a poor mastery of Bahasa Malaysia does not make one fit to be promoted as A-G.

“As far as we know, Thomas does not have a good mastery of Bahasa Malaysia. Therefore, he is not fit to be A-G,” Azmi said in a statement today.

Mapim also agreed with the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay rulers on the attorney-general needing to be a Malay or Muslim.

“In fact, the Agong himself said the A-G should be advising him in shariah law matters. How can an non-Muslim A-G have the credibility to advise on such matters?”

Mapim said there were many Malay and Muslim lawyers out there qualified for the top job.

Azmi said that instead of appointing someone new, they should re-appoint former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail for the position.

“We suggest that former A-G Gani Patail take on the position and resolve the polemics between the prime minister and the Agong, as well as the Malay rulers,” he said.

Mapim said the government should hire Thomas as a deputy public prosecutor to handle cases like 1Malaysia Development Bhd and other high-profile cases.

The Malaysian Insight reported that PH had written to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong asking for the removal of Apandi and to replace him with Thomas, the unanimous choice of the PH government.

Amanah, Bersatu, DAP, and PKR felt that the appointment of a respected legal name would send the right signal to Malaysians and the rest of the world that the new government was serious about reforming the country’s institutions.

Also, the appointment would ensure the presence of a skilled litigator in the chambers to handle all high-profile cases, including the prosecution of those involved in the 1MDB scandal.

The Malaysian Insight understands that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the other Malay rulers want the attorney-general to be a Malay-Muslim.

However, bloggers such as Syed Akhbar Ali have pointed out that the constitution does not say that the position must be filled by a Malay-Muslim. – June 3, 2018.

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Comments

  • There is no requirement under the Constitution for an AG to be able to speak in fluent BM, or to be a Maly conversant in the Syariah laws. By the way, don't add requirements that are not there in the first place. Learn to think outside the box. Don't be trapped by Umno mindset where race n religion has been played up to the optimum to the loss of the rakyat especially to the loss of the Malays

    Posted 5 years ago by Peace Maker · Reply

    • BEST

      Posted 5 years ago by Mohanarajan murugeson · Reply

  • Well we have the constitution to guide us not morons making up laws as they feel as tey go along

    Posted 5 years ago by Stan stanoi · Reply

  • Well we have the constitution to guide us not morons making up laws as they feel as tey go along

    Posted 5 years ago by Stan stanoi · Reply

  • Up there English is the preferred technical language. Besides an array of dwiBahasa lawyers are on hand to lend a helping hand if needed..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Ask yourself, as loyal Malaysians who want to see that our nation progress and prosper and become a shinning example in all things we do, what must we do ? Should fluecny, colour of the skin, etc.. come into consideration when we fill key positions in the government ?As Rafidah Aziz has said, it is time NOW, we need to PUT MALAYSIA FIRST !

    Posted 5 years ago by Sparky TZ · Reply

  • Mau kerja dengan sektor kerajaan....wajib lulus bahasa malaysia. Cakap melayu pon x tau....Rakyat Malaysia ke Tommy nie...

    Posted 5 years ago by Muhamad Nasarudin · Reply

  • That will be straight batal puasa for being racist.

    Posted 5 years ago by KK Cheong · Reply

  • The priority now is to resolve cases like 1MDB (numerous countries), ECRL (China), HSR (Singapore), etc. Does our counter parties use BM to negotiate? On the other hand, how many of our BM fluent lawyers are knowledgeable in international laws and very comfortable conversing in English? ...... Abdul Gani Patail ???? ......Idiots ....... he lost us Pedra Branca !!!! (should have been sacked immediately after !!!!)

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • The constitution does not specify that a distinction in Bahasa Malaysia is need to be a A.G. position. He can speak the Malay language which Mapin can understand. Any further requirement? Yes...WE KETUANAN MALAYSIA NEED A TRUSTED A.G. AT ALL MATERIAL TIMES.

    Posted 5 years ago by Mohanarajan murugeson · Reply

  • MAPIM is still lullabying in UmnoBN era. They are bankrupt of reasons and in no standing to make any demands. Who are they ???. not in the equation of administrating the country. Good try !!!!

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Constant irrationality seems to be a hallmark of many of these Islamic groups in their opinions so far expressed. The international community should take note of these groups since their irrationality and duplicity would have very significant repercussions with regard to security and global
    justice issues that are central concerns for many nations that consider
    themselves to be advanced and the forefront of rational governance.

    Posted 5 years ago by Zadik Justus · Reply

  • In law, English is still THE superior language. Laws in English that have been translated into Malay always have a caveat that in case of doubt, the English version shall prevail. How much legal literature is there in Malay compared to English?

    Posted 5 years ago by Ravinder Singh · Reply