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.
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.
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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