Stop bickering over Tommy Thomas, says Rais Yatim

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 3 Jun 2018 6:36PM · 6 Comments

RAIS Yatim, a recognised protector of the Malay language and culture, today threw his support behind Tommy Thomas being named the new attorney-general.

The former information, communication, and culture minister urged everyone to stop bickering on the issue, asking that they respect Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s choice for the key position.

“There is nothing wrong with Tommy Thomas as A-G. Stop this bickering when there are no legal grounds to bicker,” he said in a tweet today.

Rais said that the federal constitution allowed a non-Malay to be appointed as the attorney-general.  

A noted Malay nationalist, Rais said that according to the constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must act on the advice given by the Prime Minister, and the government of the day had already made its mind up.

“Following Article 145 of the federal constitution, the King, with very limited exceptions, stands advised as per Article 40. Let the PM get on with the job with his cabinet,” he said in his tweet.

Article 145 touches on the appointment of the attorney-general by the King on the advice of the prime minister.

Article 40 states that the King is compelled to act on the advice of the prime minister or the current cabinet.

The Malaysian Insight reported that PH had written to the King asking for the removal of Mohamed Apandi Ali and to replace him with Thomas, the unanimous choice of the Pakatan Harapan 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 King 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

  • Singaporean is laughing. Singaporean thought that after Harapan win, Malaysia will be better and less racism. But Malaysian has proven once again that racism is still one of the most important thing in Malaysia.

    Posted 5 years ago by KK Cheong · Reply

  • ...btw, are all the 6" rulers muslims..?

    Posted 5 years ago by Rosli khan · Reply

  • Syabas Rais Yatim. This is Malaysia Baru and the rule of law should prevail. The constitution is super clear on the appointment of the AG. The Rulers act on the advice of the PM or MBs, but this has been corrupted by certain parties with vested interest to frustrate the wishes of the rakyat. The submission of one is perfectly legitimate and if the Rulers object to the nominee they should state their reasons clearly. The PM and MBs are elected by the people whereas the Rulers are not. As Kadir Jasin has written, this is Malaysia Baru and it is time everyone respected the elected government and not put hurdles in its path. It is most pertinent to note that the Rulers have done very well under the corrupt and despicable Najib gomen.

    Posted 5 years ago by Da Hi · Reply

  • Syabas Rais Yatim. This is Malaysia Baru and the rule of law should prevail. The constitution is super clear on the appointment of the AG. The Rulers act on the advice of the PM or MBs, but this has been corrupted by certain parties with vested interest to frustrate the wishes of the rakyat. The submission of one is perfectly legitimate and if the Rulers object to the nominee they should state their reasons clearly. The PM and MBs are elected by the people whereas the Rulers are not. As Kadir Jasin has written, this is Malaysia Baru and it is time everyone respected the elected government and not put hurdles in its path. It is most pertinent to note that the Rulers have done very well under the corrupt and despicable Najib gomen...
    Don't make the rakyat angry.

    Posted 5 years ago by Da Hi · Reply

  • Unable to think beyond racial and religious barrier is backward, and violate the principle charter of universal human rights This will send Malaysia to 19th century which PAS and fanatical UMNO members want.

    Posted 5 years ago by Awang Top · Reply

  • its very strange, even UMNO top leaders support Tommy Thomas but there are so many lower down that are making the problem. THIS issue actually reflects UMNO problem with reform.

    Posted 5 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply