Petition started to stop Tommy Thomas from becoming A-G

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 3 Jun 2018 5:33PM · 11 Comments

THOUSANDS of Malaysians have signed an online petition objecting to the appointment of Tommy Thomas as the government’s choice for attorney-general.

In a petition on ipetitions.com, over 8,000 people have objected to Thomas being named as A-G because he is not Malay-Muslim.

The petition was started by an individual called ‘Pejuang Melayu’ (Malay warrior).

Most postings agreed with the position taken by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) and Malay rulers to object to Thomas’ appointment as they want a Malay-Muslim in the role.

“I reject the proposed Tommy Thomas. A-G should be well versed in Shariah law,” one Md Salleh Senan posted.

Another commenter said if Thomas is appointed, it would be an infringement on Malay rights as the top job was normally given to a Malay-Muslim.

“The rights of the Malays need to be protected for generations to come,” Shabrina Safaie said.

Some even suggested to the rulers to be firm on this matter and anyone who goes against Malay rights should be thrown out of the country.

“Your Majesty, I request an addition to the constitution that if any race does not understand Bumiputera rights, they be expelled from the country,” said Azmaan Shah Yaacob.

Earlier today, the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations objected to Thomas’ appointment as it claimed Bahasa Malaysia is not his first language.

Institute of Islamic Strategic Research Malaysia chief executive officer Prof Mahamad Naser Disa said giving Tommy the country’s top legal job was unconstitutional.

In a statement, he said a non-Muslim could not assist the YDPA in preserving the sanctity of Islam, and therefore breaches Article 145(2) of the federal constitution.

Naser said Article 145(2) states that it is the duty of the A-G to advise the YDPA or cabinet on any legal matter.

“His stand and that of like-minded Muslim lawyers that Malaysia is a secular country clearly infringes on the constitution, which states that Islam is the country’s official religion,” he said.

The Malaysian Insight reported that PH had written to the YDPA asking for the removal of A-G Mohamed Apandi Ali 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 is 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 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.

The Malaysian Insight understands that the YDPA and the other Malay rulers want the A-G 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

  • My expatriate law lecturer commented that when a country has good laws which are administered properly, this will augur well for attracting foreign investment as investors want such a legal system to protect their investment by allowing easy access to the courts to obtain legal redress in case a dispute should arise over the investment..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • My expatriate law lecturer commented that when a country has good laws which are administered properly, this will augur well for attracting foreign investment as investors want such a legal system to protect their investment by allowing easy access to the courts to obtain legal redress in case a dispute should arise over the investment. So a competent A-G will enhance this. Just go for the best available, the law clearly allows it..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Whereas other countries recruited their best brains into their civil service, ours emphasis more on race and religion. This will result in Malaysia coming out second best in any international disputes and negotiations ..... like how we LOST Pedra Branca ...... Was the incident not a lesson to be learned? Our neighbours and rivals must be very happy. We can now be SCREWED easily ...... eg, in renegotiating ECRL and HSR ....

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • Whereas other countries recruited their best brains into their civil service, ours emphasis more on race and religion. This will result in Malaysia coming out second best in any international disputes and negotiations ..... like how we LOST Pedra Branca ...... Was the incident not a lesson to be learned? Our neighbours and rivals must be very happy. We can now be SCREWED easily ...... eg, in renegotiating ECRL and HSR ....

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

    • ............. knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence is of lesser importance, it only pertains domestically. More important is how we handle other countries who will always try to come out on top.

      Posted 5 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

    • Maybe these petitioners should petition Najib to hire Malay-Muslim lawyers to defend him instead of "orang putih". As an ex-PM, Najib very well knows our lawyers are substandard and NOT qualified to handle international cases. They will be ROASTED thoroughly.

      Posted 5 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • " ..... the presence of a skilled litigator in the chambers to handle all high-profile cases, including the prosecution of those involved in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal........." - I have a nasty suspicion that many of these objectioners are in fact beneficiaries of 1MDB (and others). An INCOMPETENT and/or CORRUPT AG would enable them to get off lightly.

    Posted 5 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • The current govt is elected by majority of the people of this country. The current govt leaders are representative of the people. The people have given them the responsibility to manage the country with the best of their ability. So with the wisdom they posses, give them the opportunity to run the country smoothly without hinderence. Otherwise the govt cannot function smoothly. Everyone must respect the wishes of the majority and not subvert the will of the people. Upholding the rule of law is paramount.

    Posted 5 years ago by Saham san · Reply

  • Haha, more than 8000 people who sign the petition already batal puasa for being racist.

    Posted 5 years ago by KK Cheong · Reply

  • Azmaan Shah Yaacob, Anybody who does not know of the universal law of human rights be expelled from this earth

    Posted 5 years ago by TuanLin Ooi · Reply

  • ...AG should be a Malay Muslim with well versed of Syariah law...

    Posted 5 years ago by Sharifah AlShahab · Reply